Past Efforts of the U.S. to Acquire Greenland: A Recap of Historical Attempts

Past Efforts of the U.S. to Acquire Greenland: A Recap of Historical Attempts

In the icy expanse of the Arctic, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has been home to Indigenous communities, predominantly Inuit, for centuries. However, the strategic location and potential resources of this vast island have not gone unnoticed by external powers, particularly the United States.

Historically, the U.S. has shown a keen interest in acquiring Greenland, primarily for strategic and geopolitical reasons. This interest has been driven by the island's geographic location, which offers crucial advantages for Arctic security and early warning systems, as evidenced by U.S. military investments such as the Pituffik Space Base. Moreover, as climate change opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources in the Arctic, control over Greenland strengthens U.S. influence in the region.

However, Greenland has resisted these overtures. The local population, with a strong national and cultural identity tied to Denmark, has shown broad opposition to the idea of American acquisition. Greenland's leaders have emphasised their desire for greater autonomy and self-determination, rather than being treated as a commodity to be bought or sold.

The U.S.'s renewed interest in Greenland, notably during President Trump’s administration, sparked diplomatic tensions. In 2019, reports emerged of a proposal to buy Greenland again, a move that was met with firm rejection from both Denmark and Greenland.

Denmark sees Greenland as an integral part of its kingdom with deep historical and national significance, rejecting sale offers as “absurd.” Meanwhile, Greenlandic political autonomy movements push for increased self-rule and eventual independence, making the population broadly opposed to the idea of American acquisition.

The saga of Greenland's contested status dates back to the late 19th century, with U.S. military and naval officers viewing the island's location as a midpoint between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. during the brewing Cold War. Early U.S. interest in Greenland largely overlooked the Indigenous communities and focused on the island's strategic location and natural resources.

In 1868, Secretary of State William Seward commissioned a report that pointed to Greenland's vast fisheries, animal life, and "mineral wealth." U.S. ambassador Maurice Egan proposed an elaborate trade in 1910, involving the swap of Greenland and the Danish West Indies with the Philippines and Germany, but the plan failed.

In 1946, the U.S. covertly proposed paying Denmark $100 million in gold for Greenland, according to Associated Press reports decades later. Greenland's cryolite deposits, vital for aircraft production, became a critical resource during World War II. After Nazi Germany surrendered in May 1945, U.S. forces wanted to stay in Greenland due to its strategic importance.

The U.S. and Denmark entered a new agreement in 1951, allowing the U.S. to continue operating and setting up military bases on Greenland, as deemed appropriate by NATO. Greenland's weather stations were essential for forecasting conditions in Europe, aiding Allied plans during World War II.

Today, Greenland's importance grows as the Arctic warms, unlocking new shipping routes and access to untapped resources. However, both Denmark and Greenland have stated that Greenland is not for sale. Amid this ongoing saga, the cultural identity, political autonomy, and sovereignty of Greenland remain paramount, underscoring the complex interplay of geopolitical interests and local aspirations in this frozen frontier.

1. The strategic location and natural resources of Greenland have attracted external powers, such as the United States, due to its potential advantages for Arctic security and early warning systems.
2. The exploration of Greenland's climate and environment for new shipping routes and natural resources has increased due to climate change, which in turn strengthens the influence of those seeking control over the island.
3. Despite the interest of external powers in acquiring Greenland, political autonomy movements in Greenland push for increased self-rule and eventual independence, making the local population broadly opposed to such acquisitions.
4. The history of Greenland's contested status dates back to the late 19th century, with early U.S. interest in Greenland largely overlooking the Indigenous communities and focusing on the island's strategic location and natural resources.

Read also: