Lesson Plan: U.S. Interest in Greenland – History, Implications for NATO, and Europe

Lesson Objectives

1. Understand the historical significance of Greenland in relation to the United States, Europe, and global geopolitics.
2. Analyze the strategic implications of U.S. interest in Greenland for NATO and Europe.
3. Evaluate potential outcomes of increased U.S. influence or ownership of Greenland in modern geopolitics.
4. Evaluate the perspectives of key stakeholders, including Denmark and Greenland, on U.S. interest in Greenland
5. Develop critical thinking and research skills through exploration of diverse perspectives and historical contexts.

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Materials Needed

• CBS News article: Why Greenland Matters
• Supplementary articles:
  • History of Greenland
  • NATO’s Arctic Strategy
  • Geopolitics of Greenland
• Background on Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s statements regarding U.S. interest in Greenland. See info below.
• Greenland on World Map
  A detailed world map highlighting Greenland’s location, available in SVG, PNG, and JPG formats.
  View and download here
• Map of Greenland with Towns
  This map displays towns, mountains, and airports in Greenland.
  View and download here

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Lesson Plan

I. Introduction

1. Hook Activity
   • Show a map of Greenland and surrounding regions, highlighting its size and location relative to the U.S. and Europe.
   • Ask students:
     • “Why do you think a large, icy landmass like Greenland might be important in geopolitics?”
     • “What could the U.S. gain by owning Greenland?”
2. Introduce Mette Frederiksen
   • Provide a brief overview of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s response to President Trump’s 2019 proposal to purchase Greenland. Highlight her statement that Greenland is “not for sale” and her description of the proposal as “absurd.”
   • Ask:
     • “What does Frederiksen’s response tell us about Denmark’s view of Greenland’s sovereignty?”
     • “Why might Denmark and Greenland’s leaders react strongly to suggestions of U.S. ownership?”
3. Provide Context
   • Briefly summarize the CBS News article, emphasizing key points about Greenland’s strategic importance.

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II. Historical Background

1. Greenland’s History in Brief
   • • Discuss the timeline of Greenland’s settlement, colonization, and its semi-autonomous relationship with Denmark.
     • Highlight key events, such as:
       • Danish colonization and Greenland’s role as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
       • U.S. interest in Greenland during WWII, the Cold War, and in recent years.
     • See details below.

1. Class Discussion Questions
   • “Why might the U.S. have considered purchasing Greenland in the 1940s and in 2019?”
   • Why has Greenland historically been significant to the U.S. and Europe?”
   • “How does Greenland’s history connect it to both Europe and North America?”
   • “How do you think Greenlandic leaders might view Denmark’s control and international interest in their land?”

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III. Strategic Implications

1. Greenland’s Role in NATO
   • Discuss its proximity to the Arctic and significance for monitoring Russian activities and accessing natural resources.
   • Highlight how Greenland’s strategic importance ties into NATO’s broader Arctic strategy.
   •  Proximity to the Arctic. The Hill
   • Strategic location for monitoring Russian activities.
   • Natural resources like rare earth metals.
2. Possible Implications of U.S. Ownership
   • Discuss potential benefits and challenges of U.S. ownership for:
     • The U.S. and NATO.
     • Denmark and Greenland’s autonomy.
     • Europe’s geopolitical balance.
   • Highlight Frederiksen’s emphasis on Greenland’s self-determination and the importance of respecting Greenland’s semi-autonomous status.
3. Class Discussion Questions
   • • “How would U.S. ownership of Greenland affect Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty?”
     • “What does Frederiksen’s reaction suggest about Denmark’s role in safeguarding Greenlandic interests?”
     • “What ethical concerns arise when powerful nations propose purchasing land inhabited by Indigenous populations?”

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IV. Analysis and Critical Thinking

1. Research Activity
   • Students explore Greenland’s history, NATO strategies, and geopolitical dynamics.
   • Assign groups to present on:
     • Historical context of Greenland’s relationship with Denmark and the U.S.
     • NATO’s strategic interests in the Arctic.
     • Frederiksen’s response and its implications for Denmark and Greenland.
2. Debate
   • Organize a debate on:
     “Should the U.S. pursue ownership of Greenland for strategic interests?”
   • Include perspectives from all stakeholders, including Denmark, Greenland, NATO, and the U.S.

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V. Wrap-Up and Homework

1. Class Reflection
   • • Ask students to write a brief journal entry:
       • “What surprised you most about the global interest in Greenland?”
       • “What role do you think Denmark and its leaders, like Mette Frederiksen, should play in protecting Greenland’s interests?”
   • Homework Assignment
     • Write a one-page essay answering:
       • “How does Mette Frederiksen’s reaction to U.S. interest in Greenland reflect the complexities of modern geopolitics?”

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Assessment

• Participation in discussions and group activities.
• Quality of group presentations and arguments in the debate.
• Individual journal entries and homework essays.

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Additional Resources

1. Geography and Resources of Greenland
   • CIA World Factbook – Greenland
2. Climate and Environmental Concerns
   • National Geographic on Greenland Ice Melt
3. NATO’s Arctic Strategy
   • NATO Arctic Engagement

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Timeline of Greenland’s History

Early History

• ~2500 BCE: The first known settlers, the Paleo-Inuit peoples (e.g., the Saqqaq culture), migrated to Greenland from North America.
• ~985 CE: Viking explorers, led by Erik the Red, establish settlements in southern Greenland after being exiled from Iceland. These Norse settlements coexisted with Inuit cultures but declined in the 15th century.

Danish Colonization

• 1721: Denmark begins formal colonization of Greenland, led by missionary Hans Egede, marking the start of European dominance.
• 1814: Greenland officially becomes part of the Kingdom of Denmark after the Treaty of Kiel.
• 1953: Greenland transitions from a colony to an integral part of Denmark and gains representation in the Danish Parliament.

Greenland’s Semi-autonomous Status

• 1979: Greenland attains home rule, allowing for self-governance in domestic matters while Denmark retains control over foreign policy and defense.
• 2009: Greenland gains additional autonomy through the Self-Government Act, taking control of areas like policing and the legal system while increasing control over natural resources.

U.S. Interest in Greenland

• 1941: During World War II, the U.S. establishes airbases in Greenland under a defense agreement with Denmark, which was occupied by Germany at the time.
• 1946: President Harry Truman’s administration formally offers $100 million in gold to purchase Greenland, recognizing its strategic importance during the early Cold War. Denmark declines the offer, maintaining sovereignty over Greenland.
• 1951: Thule Air Base is formally established as a strategic Arctic base during the Cold War, providing a critical location for U.S. missile defense and early warning systems.
• 2019: Renewed U.S. interest emerges under President Donald Trump, who proposes purchasing Greenland for its strategic and resource value, sparking global discussions on geopolitics.

Timeline: Danish PM Mette Frederiksen’s Responses to U.S. Interest in Greenland

1. August 2019
   • Event: President Donald Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland.
   • Frederiksen’s Statement: She described the idea as “absurd” and emphasized that “Greenland is not for sale.”
   • Article: Politico: Danish PM – Trump’s interest in buying Greenland is ‘absurd’
2. December 2024
   • • Event: Following renewed interest by President-elect Donald Trump in acquiring Greenland.
     • Frederiksen’s Statement: She reaffirmed that Greenland’s sovereignty should be respected and stated again that the island is not for sale. Politics Denmark. 
3. January 2025
   • Event: Discussions arose regarding potential U.S. strategies to gain control over Greenland, sparking global concerns.
   • Frederiksen’s Statement: She expressed doubt that the U.S. would use force, emphasizing the importance of respectful collaboration in the Arctic region.
   • Article: AP News: Trump refuses to rule out use of military force to take control of Greenland
4. Overall Position
   • Frederiksen’s Consistent View: Throughout these events, Mette Frederiksen has strongly defended Greenland’s autonomy and stated that any decision regarding its future must respect the wishes of the Greenlandic people.
   • Additional Reading: Reuters: Can Trump buy Greenland?

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