Lately, I posted a thread, were Columbus offers his services to Denmark. What if Denmark mainatains Greenland connection throughout 15th century and eventually sets foot on old Markland and Vinland in 15th century. Imagine, the country manages to get rich by Walrus tooth (a subscriber noted, taht they had been as worthy as gold ) and pelt trade . Could Denmark become one of the richest kingdoms in Western Europe (at least main power of the North), maybe cementing Schleswig and Holstein rule, bound Norway , hire merchenary armies and build mighty fleets ? Maybe outcompetate England, or England not emerging as great power ? ? Swallow Hamburg ? No rise of Sweden ?
https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=372886
Not entirely sure Walrus ivory will be their in sufficient quantity, also Ivory from Africa would be cheaper i believe. Pelt trade will also have a hard time to compete with the pelt trade in Scandinavia and Russia.
However historical Denmark did became one of the richest kingdoms in Europe if not the richest (more the King actually than the kingdom, and only for a short time.)
it was all thrown away with the Danish participation in the Thirty year wars. Before Denmark participated, Denmark was seen as the strongest protestant nation in Europe (over the Netherlands and England) Unfortunate this was a paper tiger due to the way Denmark was ruled. The Nobles had way too much power.
Remember the Danish participation in the Thirty years war, was not actually Denmark but Holstein-Schleswig and Christian IV as its Duke.
Due to the disastrous defeats in The Thirty Year Wars, Torstenson War and The Second Northern wars saw Christian IV second son successful in making Denmark into a Absolute Monarchy.
If you want Denmark to be a major power, it need to go from a elective monarchy to a absolute monarchy, and while doing it, it have to not suffer severe territorial losses.
Anyways back to your question:
Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492 which i believe is just as the little ice age sets in, and since Denmark lost contact to the original settlers in the 15th century, i believe at this point that have already happened.
the Danish king is King Hans/John which ruled Denmark from 1481-1513. Norway: 1483-1513 and Sweden 1497-1501.
Which means the period Columbus would be approaching the king, is during one of the many periods where Sweden have rebelled.
so to sum up:
Lost contact with the settlers of Greenland, Knowledge of it is probably still there.
Sweden rebelled, King Hans/John will be focused on regaining his rightful kingdom.
Hanseatic League is still up and kicking, need to be dealt with.
Need to go from Elective to Absolute monarchy.
While King Hans/John might have had the money personally, from the Sound dues. I don't see him going on this. however depends on what it cost.
If it did happen, i have a hard time to see it value, fur he can get from regaining Sweden, and i am very unsure if Walrus Ivory is there in sufficient quantity. Furthermore he is a long way from the Silver and Gold of Central/south America.
I simply do not think the will is there for Columbus to sail to the Americas sponsored by Denmark, as much as i would love it
