Greenland wants independence from Denmark
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Donald Trump wants the US to have control over the world’s largest island. Greenland, on the other hand, has been fighting a battle for independence for many years. I’ve taken a closer look at Greenland under Danish rule and why Greenlanders want independence.
Independence from the colonial power Denmark
In practice, Greenland was a colony of Denmark until 1953. Then the island was formally incorporated as part of Denmark on an equal footing with the rest of Denmark. The incorporation took place after the Greenland Council agreed to the incorporation. However, the Council was given little time. The choice was between independence or incorporation into Denmark. The council only had 3 days to decide. There was no time for a referendum on the matter. Greenland was also so unprepared for a break with Denmark that, in practice, it was impossible to say anything other than yes.
In 1979, after a long struggle, Greenland gained a form of internal self-government. But the struggle for full independence has been going on since 1953 and is still ongoing. Most people in Greenland have a dual relationship with Denmark. They love the Danish royal family, but there have been repeated conflicts between Danish and Greenlandic politicians.
Is Greenland an integral part of Denmark?
Most Danes would say that Greenland is an interacted part of the nation. Most Greenlanders do not agree. Denmark has succeeded in preserving Greenland’s uniqueness and culture. However, the standard of living in Greenland is much lower than in Denmark. We see this in different ways of measuring this. For example, the average income is lower in Greenland, even though prices are higher due to the increased costs of transporting goods. Life expectancy is lower in Greenland and child poverty is higher.
There is also a difference in areas such as education for young people. Young people often travel to Denmark if they want to get an education. Education in Greenland is very limited. Doctors, hospitals and nursing care are also poor on the island compared to the Danish mainland.
Many of the inhabitants therefore feel that Greenland is not an integrated part of Denmark. Therefore, many want independence.
Denmark a good colonial power?
Many people in Denmark believe that the country was a good and humane colonial power. Before 1814, Norway was in a union with Denmark, similar to what Greenland is now. Despite economic growth in Norway, this period is often referred to as the “black night” in Norway. The reason for this is, among other things, the repeated famine deaths that affected Norway during the time with Denmark. Famine in Norway but not in Denmark.
The King of Denmark was repeatedly on the warpath, which led to the blockade of the sea route between Norway and Denmark. For example, during the Great Northern War in the early 1700s and the Napoleonic Wars.
Norwegian culture was also under pressure. Danish was the only official written language. An attempt by the Danes to change an essential part of Norwegian identity.
The union between Denmark and Norway also had colonies in the Caribbean. The Union also engaged in extensive slave trade. Denmark has been no better than other colonial powers.
Sources:
https://www.dst.dk/Site/Dst/Udgivelser/nyt/GetAnalyse.aspx?cid=28387
https://www.ft.dk/samling/20061/almdel/ugf/bilag/143/397601.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.dst.dk/Site/Dst/Udgivelser/GetPubFile.aspx?id=16252&sid=19faer
https://www.diis.dk/publikationer/groenlands-oenske-selvstaendighed-oenske-ligevaerdig-del-verden