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ScienceGreenland, the world’s largest island, is a land of breathtaking icy landscapes, vibrant Indigenous culture, and a political status as unique as its geography. While it stands proudly as a largely self-governing nation, it remains a constituent country within the Danish Realm. This naturally leads many to wonder: how did Denmark get Greenland? The answer isn’t a simple conquest or a single treaty, but rather a compelling, centuries-long saga. It’s a story woven with threads of early Norse discovery, persistent Dano-Norwegian claims, determined re-establishment of contact, deliberate colonization, and a gradual, inspiring evolution towards self-determination and modern autonomy.
Early Connections: The Norse Era and Dano-Norwegian Claims
A. Erik the Red and Norse Settlement (10th Century)
The story of Greenland’s European connection truly begins with the Norse. Around 985 AD, Erik the Red, an Icelandic chieftain, sailed west and established the first known European settlements on the island’s southwestern coast [1]. These vibrant, albeit isolated, communities thrived for centuries, maintaining ties with Iceland and Norway. It was through this connection that Greenland initially became tied to the Norwegian crown, forming part of a wider Norse sphere of influence in the North Atlantic.
B. The Black Death and the ‘Lost Colony’ (14th-15th Centuries)
However, by the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the Norse settlements in Greenland faced increasing challenges. A cooling climate, resource depletion, and possibly the devastating impact of the Black Death in Europe, which disrupted trade and communication, led to their decline and eventual disappearance [2]. Greenland effectively lost contact with Europe, fading into legend as the “lost colony.” Despite this severance of physical ties, the Dano-Norwegian monarchy, which had unified the crowns of Denmark and Norway in 1380, maintained a nominal, if largely theoretical, claim to the vast island, based on its historical ties to Norway.
C. The Enduring Claim
It’s crucial to understand that even during the centuries of lost contact, the Dano-Norwegian monarchs never formally renounced their claim to Greenland. This persistent, albeit largely unchallenged, assertion of sovereignty would prove foundational to the later re-establishment of European presence and the subsequent path to how Denmark got Greenland as part of its realm.
The Re-establishment of Contact and Danish Colonization (18th-19th Centuries)
A. The Quest for the Lost Colony (Early 18th Century)
The 18th century marked a turning point. Driven by a fervent desire to find the lost Norse settlers and re-Christianize them, a Norwegian missionary named Hans Egede embarked on a perilous journey. In 1721, he arrived on Greenland’s west coast, not finding Norse descendants, but rather the Indigenous Inuit people [3]. Egede, undeterred, began his missionary work among them, effectively re-establishing European contact after centuries.
B. Establishment of Danish Trade and Administration
Egede’s mission quickly evolved beyond spiritual matters. The Danish-Norwegian state saw the potential for economic gain and strategic control. In 1774, the Royal Greenland Trading Department (KGH) was established, granting a state-controlled monopoly over all trade with Greenland [4]. This was a critical step in consolidating Danish control over Greenland. Economic motives were paramount: valuable resources like fish, blubber (from whales and seals), and furs became key commodities. Danish officials and missionaries became the primary European presence, slowly establishing administrative control and integrating Greenland into the Danish sphere.
C. Formal Colonization
By the 19th century, the transformation was complete. Greenland was formally declared a Danish colony. Danish law and governance were gradually implemented, though often with distinct regulations acknowledging Greenland’s unique circumstances. This period solidified the answer to “how did Denmark get Greenland?” – through persistent claims, determined re-exploration, and the systematic establishment of trade and administrative monopolies, effectively integrating it as a colonial possession.
Greenland During World Wars and the Path to Integration (20th Century)
A. World War II and Isolation
The 20th century brought significant upheaval. When Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany in 1940 during World War II, Greenland was effectively cut off from its mother country. This forced isolation led Greenland to develop closer practical ties with the United States and Canada, who established military bases and provided supplies. This period of de facto autonomy, while born of necessity, ignited a stronger desire among Greenlanders for greater self-determination and a re-evaluation of their relationship with Denmark.
B. The End of Colonial Status (1953)
Following WWII, the global tide turned against colonialism. In 1953, reflecting both international pressure and Greenlandic aspirations, Denmark enacted a constitutional change that transformed Greenland from a colony into an integral county (amt) of Denmark. Greenlanders were granted Danish citizenship, and substantial investments were made in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. While this ended direct colonial rule, the rapid modernization efforts and the influx of Danish language and culture led to significant social and cultural challenges for the Indigenous population, prompting further calls for greater self-governance.
Towards Self-Government: A New Chapter in the Danish Realm
A. The Push for Autonomy
The 1970s saw a strong resurgence of Greenlandic nationalism and a growing recognition of a distinct Greenlandic identity. This culminated in a pivotal referendum, leading to the establishment of Home Rule in 1979. This act granted Greenland significant self-governance, allowing it to establish its own parliament (Inatsisartut) and government (Naalakkersuisut), taking control of many internal affairs. A powerful demonstration of its distinct identity was Greenland’s withdrawal from the European Economic Community (EEC, now the EU) in 1985, having joined as part of Denmark in 1973, reflecting a desire to protect its fisheries and unique cultural interests.
B. Self-Government Act (2009)
The journey towards greater autonomy continued. In 2009, the Self-Government Act came into effect, further expanding Greenland’s powers. This act transferred control over crucial sectors such as natural resources (including oil, gas, and minerals), the justice system, and the police from Denmark to Greenland. Crucially, the Self-Government Act formally recognizes the Greenlandic people as a distinct people under international law and grants them the explicit right to self-determination, including the potential right to declare independence if they choose to do so [5]. This was a monumental shift in the dynamic of how Denmark got Greenland, moving from colonial rule to a partnership of equals.
C. The Modern Relationship
Today, Greenland remains a part of the Danish Realm, but it is largely self-governing. Denmark retains responsibility for foreign policy, defense, and currency, and provides substantial annual financial subsidies to Greenland. This modern relationship is a testament to a long and complex history, showcasing a remarkable evolution from ancient claims and colonial rule to a partnership founded on autonomy and mutual respect. The question of how Denmark got Greenland is not just about historical claims, but also about the enduring, evolving bond between two distinct nations sharing a common future.
