Ice and Empire: The History of Greenland from Norse Sagas to Self-Government MTA
A chronological narrative of Greenland's colonization, cultural shifts, and political evolution from Viking settlement to modern autonomy

About this book:

*Ice and Empire* provides a comprehensive chronological history of Greenland, tracing its evolution from ancient Paleo-Inuit migrations to its modern status as a self-governing entity within the Danish Realm. The narrative begins with the Saqqaq and Dorset cultures, followed by the medieval Norse settlements founded by Erik the Red. It explores the fascinating centuries of Norse-Inuit coexistence, the subsequent disappearance of the Viking colonies during the Little Ice Age, and the resilience of the Thule people—the ancestors of modern Greenlanders—who mastered the Arctic environment through sophisticated maritime technology.

The book transitions into the early modern era, detailing the 1721 arrival of missionary Hans Egede, which re-established Dano-Norwegian ties and initiated centuries of colonial rule. This period was characterized by state-run trade monopolies and Lutheran missions that reshaped Inuit social structures. The 19th and early 20th centuries brought scientific expeditions and administrative modernization, which gradually integrated Greenland into the Western world but also introduced systemic dependencies and cultural pressures.

The mid-20th century serves as a pivotal turning point, as World War II and the Cold War transformed Greenland into a vital geopolitical asset for the United States and NATO. The narrative follows the 1953 constitutional change that shifted Greenland from a colony to a Danish county, sparking a rapid but disruptive modernization process. This led to a burgeoning national consciousness and a powerful decolonization movement, resulting in the achievement of Home Rule in 1979 and the even more comprehensive Self-Government Act of 2009.

The final chapters address contemporary challenges, focusing on the dual impact of climate change and the quest for economic independence. As the melting ice sheet reveals new mineral wealth and shipping routes, Greenland must navigate complex global interests from powers like the U.S., Russia, and China. The book concludes by weighing the generational visions for full sovereignty, highlighting the ongoing tension between maintaining the Danish welfare model and the cultural and political drive for total independence in a rapidly changing Arctic.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Comprehensive chronological narrative of Greenland's human history from Paleo-Inuit cultures (Saqqaq, Dorset) through Norse settlement, Thule Inuit migration, Danish colonial period, and modern self-government movements.
• Analysis of how climate shifts (Medieval Warm Period to Little Ice Age) affected Norse Greenlandic society and contributed to the colony's disappearance.
• Detailed examination of Greenland's evolving relationship with Denmark, from colony to integrated county to self-governing territory within the Danish Realm.
• Exploration of resource politics including fisheries, minerals, and potential oil/gas development, and their impact on Greenland's economic development and sovereignty aspirations.
• Discussion of contemporary challenges including climate change impacts, cultural revitalization efforts, and ongoing debates about full independence versus continued association with Denmark.

Who's It For:

This book is ideal for students, scholars, and general readers interested in Arctic history, indigenous peoples' experiences with colonialism, and the politics of self-determination. It will particularly benefit those studying North Atlantic history, Danish colonial administration, or contemporary Greenlandic affairs, providing essential context for understanding current debates about Greenland's future status, resource management, and cultural identity in a warming Arctic.