Empire Podcast - Episode 265: Danish Greenland: Eradicating Inuit Culture (Ep 3) Summary

Host: Anita Anand and William Dalrymple
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Podcast Series: Empire by Goalhanger
Description: This episode delves into the complex history of Greenland under Danish rule, exploring the colonial endeavors, their impact on the Inuit population, and the lingering effects that continue to shape the region today.

1. Introduction to Greenland's Colonial History

Anita Anand and William Dalrymple resume their exploration of Greenland's tumultuous history, following up on previous episodes that touched upon Viking influences.

Dalrymple (02:32):
"If you haven't heard, go back and listen and make whatever sense of it you can, but we continue our story of Greenland today..."

They set the stage by highlighting Greenland as the world's largest island, yet sparsely populated with around 50,000 inhabitants, 89% of whom are Inuit.

2. Viking Era and Early European Interaction

The duo provides a recap of the Viking influence in Greenland, emphasizing the fleeting nature of Norse settlements.

Anand (03:09):
"Sure. It's led by our favourite psycho killer, Eric the Red."

Dalrymple (04:36):
While a humorous take is given, the historical context underscores the unsustainable nature of Norse colonies due to harsh climates and limited resources, leading to their eventual extinction by 1500.

3. Danish Colonization and the Bergen Greenland Company

The transition from Norse to Danish control marks a significant shift in Greenland's history. The Danish efforts were a blend of religious missions and economic exploitation.

Anand (06:00):
"Hans Egede... is certainly partly inspired by the urge to find the old Norse colonists... but he's also inspired by profit."

Dalrymple (12:28):
"So his company goes bankrupt, Willy. But that's not the end of the adventure..."

Hans Egede, a Lutheran missionary, established the Bergen Greenland Company, aiming to convert the Inuit to Christianity while exploiting Greenland's resources. This dual motive set the tone for subsequent Danish policies.

4. Establishment of Royal Monopoly and Its Impact

The Danish crown took control, establishing the Royal Greenlandic Trading Company, which monopolized trade and marginalized the Inuit.

Dalrymple (14:32):
"It's a highly discriminatory system whereby the Inuits can only sell to this monopoly company and the profits go not to the Inuit, but to the shareholders in Copenhagen."

This monopoly restricted the Inuit from trading freely, ensuring that profits flowed to Danish investors rather than benefiting the local population.

5. Discriminatory Laws and Social Control

The Danish administration imposed numerous discriminatory laws to maintain control over Greenland's resources and population.

Dalrymple (15:15):
"Danish people could only marry a Greenlander woman who has some white blood."

These laws enforced racial hierarchies, restricted intermarriage, and controlled the lives of the Inuit, compelling them to remain hunters and suppliers for the colonial economy.

6. Attempts at Assimilation and Forced Relocations

Post-war reforms aimed at modernizing Greenland had devastating effects on Inuit communities.

Anand (26:10):
"A Government Commission in 1950 highlights the negative consequences of Denmark's colonial policy, including the low standards of living for the Inuits, the isolation, the severe inequality."

Policies included forced relocations to urban centers, suppression of Inuit language and culture, and the traumatic separation of children from their families.

Dalrymple (28:04):
"The number that really strikes me is of these 22 little souls up to half developed mental illnesses or substance abuse problems."

These measures, though well-intentioned, led to significant cultural disruption and long-term psychological trauma within the Inuit population.

7. Legal Repercussions and Apologies

In recent decades, there have been formal apologies and legal actions addressing the injustices inflicted upon the Inuit.

Anand (29:46):
"Save the Children formally apologized for this initiative in 2015. The Danish government issued another apology in 2020, but has refused compensation."

Legal actions continue, with survivors seeking compensation for the forced sterilizations and other abuses inflicted by Danish policies.

8. Home Rule and Modern Governance

Greenland gradually gained autonomy, culminating in self-governance established in 2009.

Dalrymple (34:04):
"In the 2009 referendum, the people of Greenland, all 56,000 of them, approved the Self Government Act."

Despite legal autonomy, economic dependence on Denmark persists, primarily funded by Danish subsidies and Greenland's limited natural resources.

9. Contemporary Issues: Environmentalism and External Interests

Climate change has reignited global interest in Greenland's natural resources, posing threats to its sovereignty and environment.

Dalrymple (35:05):
"Climate change has meant that the ice is melting. Therefore... Greenland has rare minerals and potentially oil."

Greenlanders fear a repeat of colonial exploitation, advocating for environmental protection against invasive mining interests.

Anand (35:06):
"There is a very strong environmental movement at large now in Greenland. So the Prime Minister... halted a rare earth mining project on environmental grounds as one of his very first acts."

10. Recent Political Developments and Independence Movements

The episode touches upon recent political maneuvers and the ongoing struggle for complete independence.

Dalrymple (37:00):
"Greenlanders are listening out there. We will keep you safe, we will make you rich..."
The hosts highlight Donald Trump's failed attempt to purchase Greenland, reflecting continued external pressures on Greenland's sovereignty.

Anand (37:30):
"Greenlanders simply want to run themselves. They don't want the Danes, they don't want the Americans."

Despite self-governance, Greenland faces significant social challenges, including high suicide rates and economic hardships, underscoring the lingering impacts of colonialism.

11. Upcoming Discussions and Future Episodes

The hosts tease future discussions with expert Daniel Immewar, promising deeper insights into American interests in Greenland and the broader implications for global power dynamics.

Anand (37:55):
"We're going to be talking much, much more about America and Greenland with our wonderful friend Daniel in the next episode."

Notable Quotes

• Anita Anand (03:09):
  "Sure. It's led by our favourite psycho killer, Eric the Red."

• William Dalrymple (14:32):
  "It's a highly discriminatory system whereby the Inuits can only sell to this monopoly company and the profits go not to the Inuit, but to the shareholders in Copenhagen."

• Anita Anand (26:10):
  "A Government Commission in 1950 highlights the negative consequences of Denmark's colonial policy, including the low standards of living for the Inuits, the isolation, the severe inequality."

• William Dalrymple (28:04):
  "The number that really strikes me is of these 22 little souls up to half developed mental illnesses or substance abuse problems."

Conclusion

Episode 265 of Empire offers a poignant exploration of Danish colonialism in Greenland, shedding light on the systematic eradication of Inuit culture and the enduring repercussions of these historical injustices. Through engaging dialogue and critical analysis, Anita Anand and William Dalrymple provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Greenland's complex relationship with colonial powers and the ongoing quest for true independence and cultural preservation.

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