And here I am, again. Oh well, better late than never.
So Castile and France are embarking on their own forms of colonization. I can see New World Castilian culture erring a tad militaristic by virtue of them being neighbours with the muslim Riysh. It’s really interesting to think about it; perhaps there would be a tradition of young boys being required to serve under an
ecomiendero if they wish to achieve manhood, or for lessons in shooting and crafting to be taught to the younger generation as soon as they could. Similarly, Castilian towns might be encouraged to produce domestic armour and weapons to stave off the pirates and bandits that would surely arrive from the south, making them more self-sufficient in material goods (though still bound in trade with mainland Iberia).
For France, it seems they’re taking the approach that the British did IOTL, forming towns and forts along the rivers into the interior, trading lumber and pelts. French colonization could be more relaxed in terms of defence and Native American relations, though they would still grapple with local forces much like IOTL. I wonder they would be more relaxed in Christianization as well, but then again, this is during the era of the Protestant Reformation, so there might be a push for New World conversions in order to “save heathen souls for Christ.”
I suspect there would be a certain ‘devil’s bargain’, on the locals part on whether to engage with all these foreign newcomers. The Castilians would be more suspicious of outsiders and definitely the more militaristic, and more pushy about their faith as well. I suspect most tribal peoples will either move away from Castilian settlements or fight to the death for their lands and culture. The French seem to be more relaxed and open, yet their intrusion into native lands could dim that openness really quickly. The Riyshi Muslims might also be an option to those living in the northern Riysh, especially since they won’t care much for religious vigor as long as there is valuable trade. Still, their penchant for slavery and piracy could snuff out what curiosity the locals have towards them.
Also, please tell me Castile hasn’t imposed some sort of ‘Purity of Blood’ restrictions ITTL. Then again, this is a Castile that failed to advance any Reconquista, so there might be even more restrictions on whom shall emigrate to the colonies!
It
seemed? So the Christians
will lose their advancements in colonialism soon enough?