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

Ann S. Michaelsen

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.

Materials Needed

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.

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?”

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?”

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.

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?”

Assessment

Additional Resources

  1. Geography and Resources of Greenland
  2. Climate and Environmental Concerns
  3. NATO’s Arctic Strategy

Timeline of Greenland’s History

Early History

Danish Colonization

Greenland’s Semi-autonomous Status

U.S. Interest in Greenland

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

  1. August 2019
  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
  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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