Trump's Greenland 'Grab' - A British Problem

Summary

The video explores the historical and contemporary tensions surrounding the U.S.'s attempts to purchase or annex Greenland from Denmark, a Danish territory. Trump’s 2019 attempt to buy Greenland follows a long history of U.S. interest in the island for its strategic and resource value. Previous efforts date back to the 19th century and were thwarted by political complications with Britain and Denmark. The video delves into these complex negotiations, including the 1917 legal agreement that grants Britain the right of first refusal. It also discusses Greenland's significance during the Cold War and the ongoing geopolitical ramifications of its ownership.

Takeaways

• 😀 President Donald Trump's controversial phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen involved his demand for Greenland to be placed under U.S. sovereignty.
• 😀 Trump threatened Denmark with trade tariffs if they did not comply with his wishes regarding Greenland.
• 😀 Greenland's strategic importance to U.S. security has been a long-standing reason for American interest in the territory.
• 😀 The U.S. has attempted to purchase or annex Greenland multiple times over the last two centuries, including failed attempts in 1867, 1910, and 1946.
• 😀 Greenland has been a Danish territory since 1814 and has had self-rule since 2009, with over 89% of its population being Inuit.
• 😀 Denmark previously sold its other colony, the Danish West Indies, to the U.S. in 1917, and the U.S. tried to purchase Greenland alongside it.
• 😀 In 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward proposed buying Greenland and possibly Canada for defense and expansionist reasons.
• 😀 The U.S. was deterred by British interests in Canada, which remained a British Dominion and a source of tension between the U.S. and Britain.
• 😀 In 1917, an agreement was made that if Denmark ever sold Greenland, Great Britain would have the first right of refusal to purchase it.
• 😀 The U.S. attempted to buy Greenland again during World War II and the Cold War, but Denmark rejected the offers each time, valuing its independence.
• 😀 If Denmark were to agree to sell Greenland now, Great Britain would be given the first option to buy before the U.S. could make an offer.

Q & A

Why did President Donald Trump attempt to purchase Greenland?

Trump believed Greenland was vital to US security, citing its strategic location and resources, such as mineral wealth and fisheries. He also argued that it was important for defense purposes.

What was the response of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to Trump's request to purchase Greenland?

Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected the proposal, stating that Greenland was not for sale and that it was up to Greenlanders to decide their own fate.

How did Trump react to Denmark's refusal to sell Greenland?

Trump threatened Denmark with trade tariffs if they did not comply with his request to sell Greenland, further complicating the diplomatic situation.

What historical attempts have been made by the United States to purchase Greenland?

The US has attempted to purchase Greenland several times throughout history, including in 1867, 1910, and 1946, for reasons related to defense, territorial expansion, and mineral wealth.

What was the significance of Greenland's strategic location during World War II?

During World War II, Greenland became an essential site for US military air bases, which served as stopover points for aircraft traveling from the United States to Britain for bombing raids against Germany.

Why was the US interested in the Danish West Indies during World War I?

The US sought control of the Danish West Indies to prevent the Germans from using the islands as U-boat bases, fearing their proximity to the Panama Canal, a vital US shipping route.

What agreement was made in 1917 regarding Greenland and the Danish West Indies?

In 1917, the US purchased the Danish West Indies for $25 million, while also negotiating a first refusal right for Britain if Denmark ever decided to sell Greenland.

How did the British involvement affect US attempts to purchase Greenland?

The British consistently sought to prevent US expansion into Greenland and had a legal right to first refusal if Denmark decided to sell the territory, which complicated the US’s efforts to acquire it.

What role did Greenland play during the Cold War?

Greenland served as a vital strategic location during the Cold War, with US military bases on the island playing an important role in defending against the USSR, which made the US hesitant to leave despite Denmark's objections.

How does the recent diplomatic tension between the US and the UK relate to Greenland?

The diplomatic tension, particularly over the British Indian Ocean Territory, seems to have influenced Trump's change in attitude towards the UK. His comments on the UK and plans for a visit could be linked to the broader geopolitical context surrounding Greenland's potential sale.