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

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

CBS News article: Why Greenland Matters
Supplementary articles:
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

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?”
Provide Context
- Briefly summarize the CBS News article, emphasizing key points about Greenland’s strategic importance.

Greenland’s History in Brief
- Discuss the timeline:
  - Early Inuit settlers and Viking exploration.
  - Danish colonization and Greenland’s semi-autonomous status under Denmark.
  - U.S. interest during WWII and the Cold War (Thule Air Base).
    See details below.

Class Discussion Questions
- “Why might the U.S. have considered purchasing Greenland in the 1940s and in 2019?”
- “How does Greenland’s history tie it to Europe and the West?”

Greenland’s Role in NATO
- Explain Greenland’s geographical importance for NATO:
  - Proximity to the Arctic. The Hill
  - Strategic location for monitoring Russian activities.
  - Natural resources like rare earth metals.
Possible Implications of U.S. Ownership
- Break students into small groups to discuss:
  - Benefits to NATO and U.S. global strategy.
  - Potential challenges for Europe, Denmark, and the Greenlandic people.
Class Discussion Questions
- “How would increased U.S. influence in Greenland affect European security?”
- “What ethical considerations arise in acquiring territory with Indigenous populations?”

Research Activity
- Provide students with additional links and articles to explore Greenland’s history, NATO strategies, and Arctic geopolitics.
- Each group will prepare a short presentation on:
  - Historical context.
  - NATO’s strategic interests in the Arctic.
  - How U.S. control of Greenland might reshape Europe’s geopolitical dynamics.
Debate
- Organize a debate on the topic:
  - “Should the U.S. pursue ownership of Greenland for strategic interests?”

Class Reflection
- Ask students to write a brief journal entry:
  - “What was the most surprising thing you learned about Greenland today?”
  - “What do you think will happen if the U.S. strengthens its presence in Greenland?”
Homework Assignment
- Write a one-page essay answering:
  - “What are the long-term implications of Greenland’s geopolitical importance for NATO and Europe?”

Geography and Resources of Greenland
- CIA World Factbook – Greenland
Climate and Environmental Concerns
- National Geographic on Greenland Ice Melt
NATO’s Arctic Strategy
- NATO Arctic Engagement

~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.

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.

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.

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.