History of Greenland

Early Inhabitants ( - 982)

Ancestors of modern Inuit people lived on Greenland

Cultures such as Dorset emerged, they survived by hunting and fishing

Thule people displaiced earlier cultures and established their own communities

Thule people focused on the hunting of whales, seals and caribou

Erik the Red a Norseman who had been exoled from Iceland discovered Greenland in

Settlements were established on the east and west. They were used for farming and trading walrus ivory

Norse settlers converted to Christianity and established churches in the region

Trade continued with Europe, especially the northern nations

Norse colonies dissapeared in the 15th century due to climate change

After Norse decline, inhabitants were only Inuit

Explorers from Denmark and Norway rediscovered Greenland in the 16th century whilst hunting for walrus, seals and trade routes

In 1721 Denmark-Norway established a new colony in Greenland. Led by Hans Egede a christian missionary

Danish crown asserts control and establishes trading posts and education of the Inuit

Greenland becomes intergrated into Danish Kingdom

WWII Greenland becomes cut off from Denmark, allies use it as a US base is established on it

1953, colonial status abolished but still part of Denmark. Becomes more autonomous in 2009. Still not fully autonomous