The Greenland Grant: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Strategic Play
- Author: Lutz Meier
- Read Time: ~2 minutes
- Countries Involved: America, Denmark, Greenland
- Topics: Military Base, World War II, Diplomacy
U.S. fascination with Greenland stretches back over time. - U.S. interest in Greenland spans across centuries: a historical overview
Do you ever wonder why the U.S. has a military base in Greenland? Well, it all started with a clever move during World War II by a certain Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Setting the Stage
With Nazi Germany creeping across Europe, controlled territories expanded to include Western Europe and most of Scandinavia by 1940. among them, Denmark, the colonial power over Greenland. The strategically placed island became a target for the Nazis, who saw its potential for housing U-boats and bombers, threatening the Allied front[1]!
Strategic Intentions
Roosevelt, understanding the importance of the island, sought to protect U.S. interests by securing a military presence there. He was playing a broader game, expanding U.S. defense towards areas potentially vulnerable to Nazi invasions, like Greenland, Iceland, and the Azores[1]. The goal? To keep these territories from falling into German hands and bolster U.S. military operations in the region.
Tactful Diplomacy
In a delicate dance of diplomacy, Roosevelt approached securing Greenland with finesse. With Denmark under Nazi occupation, negotiations took place between the U.S. and the Danish ambassador in Washington, D.C. Officially, the inhabitants of Greenland supported a stronger U.S. presence as a defensive measure, knowing the potential dangers posed by the Nazis[1]!
The Greenland Grant
In 1941, an agreement was signed between the U.S. and Denmark's Minister to the U.S., Henrik Kauffmann, granting the U.S. permission to construct airbases and military installations in Greenland[1]. The negotiations were conducted under the unique circumstances of Denmark's occupation, with the understanding that once the war ended, Greenland would revert to its pre-war status[1].
Modern Impact
Fast forward to today, and the Pituffik Space Base (previously Thorule Air Base) stands as the U.S.'s primary permanent military base in Greenland. Its role includes monitoring foreign launches and ensuring continued U.S. military strength in the region[2]!
Roosevelt's actions in Greenland demonstrated a commitment to protecting U.S. interests while keeping in mind the people and sovereignty of other nations. He walked a delicate line, safeguarding the strategic advantages for the U.S. without antagonizing Denmark or its people[1].
- In light of Franklin D. Roosevelt's strategic play during World War II, it's apparent that the employment of a U.S. military base in Greenland today can be traced back to community and employment policies that prioritized domestic and international security.
- Despite Greenland's far-off geography, it shares a historical connection with prominent American figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lutz Meier, a historian who has delved into the backstory of Greenland's unique relationship with the U.S.
- The erection of various military facilities in Greenland during World War II can be likened to the architectural design of a sports stadium – both required careful planning, diplomatic negotiations, and an understanding of the strategic importance of the location.
- Although the Premier League and European leagues might be the first association people make with the word "Greenland," the island has, in fact, been a significant part of a broader policy consisting of military and diplomatic policies.
- During a time when the world was gripped by war, Franklin D. Roosevelt exhibited foresight beyond his role as President, creating policies for both European defense and American employment, with the strategic deployment in Greenland being a prime example.
