Hitler’s Fascination with Greenland Revealed
Adolf Hitler’s interest in Greenland spanned much of his life, transitioning from personal fascination to strategic ambition. In a conversation on May 21, 1942, he expressed admiration for the Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who led the first successful crossing of Greenland’s interior in 1888. This longstanding intrigue was likely fueled by Hitler’s study of explorers like Alfred Wegener, whose 1933 expedition led to untimely death and later inspired a film.
Hitler’s Library and Greenland’s Strategic Importance
Among the remnants of Hitler’s private library at the Library of Congress is a 198-page monograph detailing Wegener’s expedition. Unlike most other books in his collection, it lacks inscriptions, suggesting it was a personal acquisition. Hitler’s interest in Greenland evolved significantly in 1933, coinciding with his rise to chancellorship.
Demographics and Resources
By April 1934, Hitler’s government had compiled demographic statistics for Greenland, noting approximately:
- 13,500 Eskimos
- 3,500 Danes
- 8,000 sheep
Additionally, Greenland held the world’s largest deposits of cryolite, vital for aluminum production, which posed a major interest for Nazi Germany.
Exploratory Expeditions and Economic Motives
In 1938, Hermann Göring sent an expedition led by mining engineer Kurt Herdemerten to evaluate Greenland’s natural resources. This venture was less about scientific exploration and more about economic exploitation. Germany sought self-sufficiency in light of ongoing economic struggles and reliance on Norwegian whale oil, which was crucial for various industries.
As the German whaling fleet expanded, efforts included plans to declare Greenland’s whaling operations as German colonies.
Military Strategies and Territorial Claims
A secret German expedition in January 1939 involved the use of aircraft to establish territorial claims in Antarctica, which Hitler viewed as strategic for expanding the influence of Greater Germany. This exemplified his broader ambitions following earlier land grabs, including Austria and parts of Czechoslovakia.
Following the invasion of Poland, Hitler’s strategic interests expanded further north. On April 8, 1940, he briefed his propaganda minister about imminent military operations in Scandinavia, anticipating British and French retaliations. The launching of Operation Weser Maneuver led to swift German control over Denmark and Norway.
American Response and Greenland’s Defense
Despite earlier dismissals of U.S. interests, the American Coast Guard began operations in Greenland to protect vital resources. Henrik Kauffmann, the Danish ambassador in Washington, declared independence from Danish control, positioning himself as a representative of free Denmark.
On April 9, 1941, a defense agreement between the United States and Denmark was established to safeguard Greenland from potential aggression. This formalized American military presence in the region, leading to the establishment of military facilities that played a crucial role during the war.
Aftermath and Long-term Agreements
Over the years, Greenland served as a strategic location for the Allies, housing up to 17 military operations. After the war, Denmark reaffirmed its alliance with the United States through the 1951 Defense of Greenland agreement, which is still active today.
