The Battle for Newfoundland (1632)

What if the colonization of a large portion of North America had been dominated by one of Europe’s small nations instead of, as actually happened, by the great powers of France, Britain and Spain? Specifically, Denmark. In real history, Denmark did have a few small settlements in the Caribbean, but they never amounted to much. But what if, given the very different parameters of the power equations produced by the arrival of Grantville, Denmark had been able to dominate a large portion of what is today called “Canada”? The possible ramifications were fascinating to me. A nation like early 17th century Denmark didn’t have the military power or the population to simply overwhelm the indigenous peoples of North America. Willy-nilly, whether they wanted to or not, Danish settlers would have to develop a modus vivendi with the people they encountered in the New World. The hybrid societies which the French settlements originally produced such as the metis, which were cut short by the British victory in the Seven Years War, might have emerged and become more stable and long-lasting. Who could say? It seemed to me that Herb’s project was interesting enough to support—and no matter what the final outcome, was bound to produce a number of good stories. So, here we are, with the second volume of that project. I hope you enjoy it.