Strategic Ramifications of a United Scandinavia?

A thought. Historically, England and the Netherlands were horrified by the idea of either Sweden or Denmark gaining control of the Sound, since the Baltic was the source of naval supplies necessary to maintain their respective fleets. Hence the opposition to Sweden's attempt to conquer Denmark in the 17th century.

My question, then, is what would happen if there was a single Scandinavian state. Would its location give it weight out of proportion to its heft?
Would there be earlier development of American sources of hemp, timber, etc?
 

Valdemar II

Banned
A thought. Historically, England and the Netherlands were horrified by the idea of either Sweden or Denmark gaining control of the Sound, since the Baltic was the source of naval supplies necessary to maintain their respective fleets. Hence the opposition to Sweden's attempt to conquer Denmark in the 17th century.

Yes and Dutch opposition to Danish reconquest of Scania.

My question, then, is what would happen if there was a single Scandinavian state. Would its location give it weight out of proportion to its heft?

Yes, through a united Scandinavia, would also have quite some heft, Population wise it would have around half of Spains population (and that without potential German and East Baltic territories), which would make it one of the most populated countries in North Europe. It easy to defend and together with easy naval control of the Baltic it would likely completely dominate the minor states of the Baltic.

Would there be earlier development of American sources of hemp, timber, etc?

I would say yes especially the Dutch would likely focus on a alternative source for these products, while the English would likely care very little, because Scandinavian and British interest rarely cross in any negative way.
 
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