Question About a Possible way to get a Stronger Anglo-Saxon Britain

[stevep]

Thanks, though this TL focuses more on Native Americans being almost as advanced as Europe and is more able to resist the Europeans to a great extent. Just three more questions if anyone'd like to answer them:

I think the best bet might be keeping some of the mega-fauna, for the reasons mentioned, then earlier and prolonged contact with Europe. Earlier means the Europeans have less of a technical edge and trade can reduce that. Also the fact the diseases go both ways give the Indians enough of a breather to hold their position later.

1: What would be the knock on affects for Europe as a whole? I personally think France would remain fragmented for longer without the HYW to galvanise support for the French Monarchy against British intervention. Other than that and a loss of power throughout Scandanavia, I'm unsure of what could happen.

Could go either way. The HYW did a lot in the longer term to unite France. However you could still have had Normandy or another such state provide a serious threat to the Paris monarchy with an earlier centralisation by the victory of one side. Or you could, as you say, have longer periods of weak central government.

2: What affects would this have on British Religion? Would it still be Catholic? Only I remember reading once that Harold was tempted to go Orthodox because of arguments with Rome.

Never heard of this. Did hear one report that he was a devout Christian and was devastated by the Papacy supporting William. [Although have also heard it argued that this could have been largely propaganda after the fact] and that the Pope had not decided either way before Hastings occurred.

3: I was thinking with a plague devestating Scandanavia, exploration of the New World would be discouraged and possibly pushed back a century as the plague is thought to be some sort of curse from the lands the Vikings visited, am I right in thinking this?

I agree with AW that it is unlikely that the initial outbreak would reach Scandinavia, although later ones might do so as communications improve. However could easily see it devastating Greenland limited colony and possibly even Iceland, if refugees took it there.

Thanks if you answer.