Podcast Summary: Empire - Episode 266. American Greenland: Nazis, Secret Nuclear Bases, & Trump (Ep 4)

Release Date: June 23, 2025
Hosts: Anita Anand and William Dalrymple
Guest: Daniel Immerwahr, Author of How to Hide an Empire

Introduction and Context

The episode delves into the intricate history of American involvement in Greenland, exploring the nation's imperial ambitions, Cold War strategies, and contemporary political maneuverings under President Donald Trump. Daniel Immerwahr provides expert insights into the geopolitical significance of Greenland and the United States' persistent interest in the island.

Historical Attempts to Acquire Greenland

Early 19th Century Initiatives

• Monroe Doctrine Reinterpreted (04:06 - 05:24):
  Daniel Immerwahr and Ryan Reynolds discuss the Monroe Doctrine's original intent versus its later interpretations. Initially, President James Monroe declared opposition to further European colonization in the Western Hemisphere, a statement not recognized as a binding doctrine at the time. Over the years, especially as the U.S. expanded territorially, the Doctrine was reinterpreted to assert dominance over the entire hemisphere.

  Ryan Reynolds (04:06): "Historians sometimes get snippy about how this gets used. The Monroe Doctrine was not an announcement to world leaders but a message in front of Congress..."

• Seward's Ambitions (07:17 - 07:55):
  The conversation shifts to William Henry Seward's vision for American expansion beyond North America, including Alaska and Greenland. The U.S. showed interest in Greenland as a strategic territory despite its harsh climate and lack of immediate valuable resources.

  Daniel Immerwahr (07:17): "There's this guy, William Henry Seward, who has a vision that there's no reason that this needs to be restricted to contiguous space..."

The 1916 Treaty and Danish West Indies

• Trade for Greenland (08:35 - 12:21):
  In 1916, the U.S. offered Denmark $25 million for the Danish West Indies in exchange for backing off claims to Greenland. This deal was more lucrative than the previous $5.5 million offer in the 1860s, making it more attractive to Denmark amidst World War I tensions.

  Daniel Immerwahr (12:21): "The United States agreed to back off Greenland. In exchange, we'll take the Danish West Indies, which become the US Virgin Islands."

World War II and the Cold War: Strategizing Greenland's Role

Nazi Threat and American Occupation (14:21 - 15:50)

• Strategic Importance During WWII:
  With Nazi Germany's occupation of Denmark in 1940, Greenland became a potential target. The U.S. brokered a deal with the Danish minister-in-exile to occupy Greenland temporarily to prevent Nazi use.

  Daniel Immerwahr (14:21): "They promise Greenland, if you give us the Virgin Islands, we promise not to bother you..."

• Discovery of Cryolite (14:39 - 15:50):
  The U.S. discovered cryolite in Greenland, a mineral crucial for aluminum production essential for aircraft and weapons manufacturing. This discovery heightened Greenland's strategic value beyond mere territorial games.

  Ryan Reynolds (15:26): "Cryolite is very useful for the manufacture of aluminum, which is crucial for our aircraft and weapons..."

Post-War Agreements and NATO Membership (17:21 - 28:35)

• Truman's Secret Deal (17:35 - 19:57):
  In 1946, President Truman made a clandestine offer to buy Greenland for $100 million, which remained undisclosed until 1991. This deal aimed to secure Greenland without direct colonization but faced political and logistical challenges.

  Ryan Reynolds (19:57): "So first of all, the deal is go through. Right. He doesn't get it. But the thing that he's thinking about is one of the new technologies..."

• Denmark Joins NATO (26:00 - 28:35):
  Denmark's accession to NATO in 1949 changed the dynamics of Greenland's strategic importance. The U.S. leveraged this membership to maintain a significant military presence in Greenland, leading to tensions over sovereignty and military installations.

  Anita Anand (27:16): "There's a trade minister called Jens Otto Krag who is somewhat realistic about this. He says the USA de facto partial occupation of Greenland... Denmark should benefit from this relationship."

Thule Air Base and Nuclear Ambitions

Establishment and Secrecy (28:35 - 33:34)

• Thule Air Base Creation (28:41 - 32:30):
  In 1951, the U.S. established Thule Air Base in northern Greenland to monitor and defend against Soviet threats. This base became a focal point for nuclear armament, with the U.S. secretly deploying hydrogen bombs and developing Project Ice Worm—an underground tunnel system intended for weapon deployment.

  Ryan Reynolds (31:08): "Suddenly, Greenland is right in the middle. Each side is armed to the teeth... We're going to keep all the bases."

• Project Ice Worm (33:28 - 35:28):
  The ambitious Project Ice Worm involved constructing thousands of kilometers of underground tunnels for weapon storage and movement. However, safety issues arose, including radiation leaks and environmental hazards, leading to health problems among local workers and Boy Scouts involved in maintenance.

  Daniel Immerwahr (35:19): "It's so mad in the 1960s... little tunnels with poor Eagle Scouts... irradiated to death."

Nuclear Accidents and Environmental Impact (35:28 - 38:10)

• B-52 Crashes (36:07 - 38:10):
  The episode recounts several B-52 crashes carrying nuclear weapons in Greenland, leading to plutonium contamination. These incidents resulted in the scattering of nuclear material across the ice, posing long-term environmental and health risks.

  Anita Anand (36:35): "They have four hydrogen bombs on board... plutonium just all over that..."

Contemporary Relevance: Trump's Greenland Bid

Modern-Day Imperialism (40:13 - 41:45)

• President Trump's Interest (40:13 - 41:45):
  The discussion shifts to President Donald Trump's attempts to purchase Greenland, a move met with staunch resistance from Denmark and Greenlandic residents. Trump's motivations are scrutinized, ranging from strategic military interests to access to Greenland's rare earth minerals exacerbated by climate change.

  Anita Anand (41:19): "Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It's an integrated part of our country. It's not for sale. Mr. Trump, f— off."

• Greenland's Stance:
  The indigenous and Danish populations of Greenland firmly oppose colonization, emphasizing their desire for autonomy and resistance to American imperialism.

  Ryan Reynolds (41:19): "Not to be colonized by the United States is my understanding."

Conclusion and Teasers for Next Episode

The episode wraps up by highlighting the absurdity and historical continuity of American imperial ambitions in Greenland. Hosts tease the next episode, which will explore Canada's rejection of Trump's attempts to annex it as the 51st state, continuing the theme of modern imperialism and territorial disputes.

Anita Anand (42:27): "In the next episode... discussing Canada, another place that told Donald Trump to f— off."

Notable Quotes

1. Ryan Reynolds (04:06):
   "Monroe Doctrine was not an announcement to world leaders but a message in front of Congress..."

2. Daniel Immerwahr (07:17):
   "William Henry Seward... no reason that this needs to be restricted to contiguous space..."

3. Anita Anand (27:16):
   "Denmark should benefit from this relationship."

4. Daniel Immerwahr (35:19):
   "Little tunnels with poor Eagle Scouts... irradiated to death."

5. Anita Anand (41:19):
   "Greenland... It's not for sale. Let me put it in words you might understand, Mr. Trump, f— off."

Key Takeaways

• Greenland's Strategic Importance:
  From the Monroe Doctrine to the Cold War and modern geopolitics, Greenland has been a pivotal territory for American strategic interests.

• Secret Military Operations:
  The establishment of Thule Air Base and Project Ice Worm exemplify the lengths to which the U.S. has gone to secure and exploit Greenland's strategic and resource potential.

• Modern Imperialism Challenges:
  President Trump's attempt to purchase Greenland highlights ongoing tensions between American imperial ambitions and the sovereignty of smaller nations.

• Environmental and Human Costs:
  The legacy of nuclear activities in Greenland underscores the environmental and health repercussions of imperial strategies.

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