We could spend hours debating how and why Europe came to be the dominant civilization (for lack of a better phrasing), economically, militarily, technologically, and culturally in the world. However, I'm sure we can all agree that their colonization of America and control of the trade associated with it.
I'm curious how much Europeans might prosper, relative to their success historically, if reliable trade with the Americas were developed earlier, and the natives were able to maintain some relative parity with the Europeans.
On the one hand, such a scenario posits better ship building and navigation techniques, earlier than historically. On the other hand, the Europeans won't be able to directly control the wealth and resources of America.
However, it seems to me that Europeans would still be well positioned to be the middle men of most of the trade routes for centuries, gaining influence in that fashion. Thoughts?
I'm curious how much Europeans might prosper, relative to their success historically, if reliable trade with the Americas were developed earlier, and the natives were able to maintain some relative parity with the Europeans.
On the one hand, such a scenario posits better ship building and navigation techniques, earlier than historically. On the other hand, the Europeans won't be able to directly control the wealth and resources of America.
However, it seems to me that Europeans would still be well positioned to be the middle men of most of the trade routes for centuries, gaining influence in that fashion. Thoughts?