Could the Netherlands have been formed as a united realm a few centuries earlier? The Low Countries were a significantly urbanized region since the Middle Ages, so it seems plausible enough that the economic power there could support a concentration of political power. But it took until the late 16th century for a Dutch state to form, in opposition to the Habsburg Spanish Empire.
What events could have led to a united Netherlands?
One option might be more extensive Burgundian expansion in the Hundred Years' War, to assemble a more cohesive "north Burgundian possession". Then have the Charles the Bold analogue have two sons, with one inheriting Burgundy proper, and the other inheriting the Netherlands. The latter could conquer Middle and East Frisia, forming a Dutch kingdom or duchy by the late 15th century.
Earlier, there were also the Friso-Hollandic Wars; a more conclusive Hollandic victory could have provided the basis for a Dutch state without Burgundian involvement, and in fact the Burgundian enemy could be a unifying factor for the County of Holland. Maybe this could lead to a republican Netherlands as the different cities and fiefdoms in Holland's sphere federate together.
What routes of expansion are there for Late Medieval Dutch realm?
Perhaps, if the Netherlands emerged in the early 15th century, the Dutch could dominate the Hansa, and "inherit" it as a Dutch-dominated trading network from the North Sea to the Baltic? Conveniently, the Stecknitz Canal connecting the Elbe to the Baltic had been constructed in the 1390s, providing a route for potential Dutch involvement in the east.
What events could have led to a united Netherlands?
One option might be more extensive Burgundian expansion in the Hundred Years' War, to assemble a more cohesive "north Burgundian possession". Then have the Charles the Bold analogue have two sons, with one inheriting Burgundy proper, and the other inheriting the Netherlands. The latter could conquer Middle and East Frisia, forming a Dutch kingdom or duchy by the late 15th century.
Earlier, there were also the Friso-Hollandic Wars; a more conclusive Hollandic victory could have provided the basis for a Dutch state without Burgundian involvement, and in fact the Burgundian enemy could be a unifying factor for the County of Holland. Maybe this could lead to a republican Netherlands as the different cities and fiefdoms in Holland's sphere federate together.
What routes of expansion are there for Late Medieval Dutch realm?
Perhaps, if the Netherlands emerged in the early 15th century, the Dutch could dominate the Hansa, and "inherit" it as a Dutch-dominated trading network from the North Sea to the Baltic? Conveniently, the Stecknitz Canal connecting the Elbe to the Baltic had been constructed in the 1390s, providing a route for potential Dutch involvement in the east.
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