is it possible for an "Italian America" to happen?

Well, a succesful Genoese colonization of the Canary Islands could be a start. The island of Lanzarote is name after his discoverer, the Genoese Lanzerotto Malocello after all. Have the Guanches not revolt against him, and the islands used as a base for the exploration of the African coast. The Republic of Genoa, who AFAIK was already entangled in Iberian commerce and politics, strengthens her ties with the Iberian kingdoms, takes an effective role in the Reconquista, and is awarded Gibraltar after the fall of Granada. Then... Butterflies, I guess, but at least it gives Genoa a "place under the Atlantic sun".

I'm not sure "Rewarded" is likely - I expect Genoa would have to get into Gibraltar quick, and refuse to leave under any circumstances. Gibraltars value would be very much recognised since well, its named after the leader of the Muslim invasion of Iberia. Genoa needs defacto control over it. Although I do like the idea of Gibaltar becoming effectively an Italian-Style Republic, it could become absurdly wealthy as the gateway to the Med, especially this early.
 
so as some of us know, numerous explorers of the americas were italian or of italian descent, but despite this, there was never an italian colony established by either of the italian city states. Now i know there was a expedition made by Tuscany to Today's French Guinea so that could be a place to start.

I tried to work on something like this in the past ("WI: Successful Thornton expedition" or stuff like that if I'm not wrong.).
The problems for the TL were three:
1• Other colonial powers (Spain, Portugal, France, Holland.).
2• Local problems (Climate, diseases, natives.).
3• Tuscan resources (Money and manpower.)

That's what I think about it:
1• Tuscany had very good relationships with Spain, Portugal and France, about the Dutch I don't think they were really interested in the area (They only wanted France not to occupy it.).
2• These are problems that would take a century (With enough manpower.) at least to be overcome (I think Tuscany had enough time.).
3• Money? Not a problem for Tuscany. Manpower? That is actually a huge problem, but I've a solution: an "open" colony that allows the settlement of non-Tuscans (Italians, French, Spanish, Portuguese, less likely Dutch, English, Germans.).

I had another idea, if I'm not wrong when the Grand Dukes of Tuscany wanted to populate Leghorn they allowed criminals and ex-pirates and Jews (I don't want to offend anybody, that is just what the Grand Dukes did.) to settle in the city and not to pay taxes for the following "n" years.

Another idea would be sending Jesuits or other religious orders (Vallumbrosans? That would be a good choice: they require non-members as workers and so would attract others to the colony.).

Also slavery existed (Tuscans can still bring black slaves to populate and work the land.).

That's it a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, (A bit) multi-religious colony were slavery is practiced, a consistent part of the population is made of ex-criminals (And ex-pirates in particular.) and religious orders have big properties.

I don't know if it would be possible for other Italian states.
 
I'm not sure "Rewarded" is likely - I expect Genoa would have to get into Gibraltar quick, and refuse to leave under any circumstances. Gibraltars value would be very much recognised since well, its named after the leader of the Muslim invasion of Iberia. Genoa needs defacto control over it. Although I do like the idea of Gibaltar becoming effectively an Italian-Style Republic, it could become absurdly wealthy as the gateway to the Med, especially this early.
You are right. The general idea is worth exploring, I believe, but the exact circumstances under which Genoa gets Gibraltar or another suitable ex-clave need to be carefully thought.
 
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