HISTORY This Week

America’s Cold War Obsession with Greenland

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Apr 28, 2025
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ANECDOTE

U.S. Gold Offer to Denmark

  • The U.S. once tried to buy Greenland from Denmark with a hundred million dollars in gold.
  • Denmark firmly declined, highlighting their indebtedness but refusal to give up the island.
INSIGHT

Greenland's Strategic Location

  • Greenland's strategic value is location between the U.S. and Soviet Union during the Cold War.
  • It was key for radar, nuclear bomber refueling, and possible missile launch sites.
ANECDOTE

Ambassador Defies Nazis for U.S. Access

  • Danish ambassador Henrik Kaufman acted independently in 1941 to grant U.S. access to Greenland.
  • He justified this because the Danish government was under Nazi control and collaboration.
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