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The United States has repeatedly tried to buy Greenland from Denmark, with the first attempt dating back to 1867. However, the last time Washington offered Denmark $100 million in gold bullion and a territorial swap was in 1946. For decades, US diplomacy has justified these initiatives on the grounds of military and geopolitical necessity, Politico recalls.
Gold bars and the “world’s largest aircraft carrier”
In 1946, the US military and diplomats insisted that Greenland, located on a short route between Washington and Moscow, was strategically important to US security. The American proposals were based on the view that the island was “insignificant” to Denmark and was “abandoned”. However, Danish Foreign Minister Gustav Rasmussen rejected the US proposal, calling it “absurd”.
In a parliamentary debate, Danish political forces unanimously opposed the sale of Greenland, forcing Washington to change its strategy.
Military bases as leverage
After World War II, the United States established bases on Greenland to prevent Nazi Germany from using the island to attack North America. Despite Denmark’s objections, the Americans refused to withdraw, which was one of the factors behind Denmark’s accession to NATO.
A long list of “contenders”
Interest in Greenland was not limited to the United States. Britain, Canada and even Norway also expressed ambitions to gain control of the island. In 1917, British and Canadian leaders even planned for Greenland to become part of Canada’s “North American empire”.
At the same time, Denmark claimed sovereignty over the entire island in 1921, rejecting Norway’s attempts to challenge this right.
Why is Greenland important today?
Greenland remains an object of geopolitical interest due to its strategic location, natural resources, and potential for military and economic expansion. In 2019, President Donald Trump became the first US leader to openly suggest the possibility of military action if Denmark refuses to sell the island.
Although the idea of selling Greenland seems archaic, it shows how issues of sovereignty, security and resources still influence global politics even decades later.
