Interactions North America, 1491–1607

The exploitation of internal divisions and alliances with discontented groups within these empires.

The overwhelming numbers of Spanish soldiers compared to native forces.

A shared religious ideology that facilitated political collaboration.

Superior indigenous weaponry that was adopted by Spanish forces.

Deserts

Mountain ranges

River systems

Prairies

Centralized governance structures may emerge leading to dramatic shifts in land control and resource allocation, potentially sparking internal strife and consolidation.

Creation of professional military forces akin to feudal knights in medieval Europe.

Development of banking and financial systems predating those in Venice or Genoa.

Emergence of written language and record-keeping evidence of broad literacy, comparative to ancient Egypt or Rome.

The Norse would likely have created an alliance with the Inca Empire, altering South American history.

The Norse might have introduced European diseases earlier, leading to significant population decline among indigenous peoples.

The introduction of Scandinavian agriculture would have led to early industrialization in North America.

Indigenous populations could have adopted Viking shipbuilding techniques, facilitating intercontinental trade pre-Columbus.

By introducing new crops such as corn and potatoes across continents

Through global standardization of crop prices

By decreasing agricultural diversity due to monoculture practices

Through advancements in farming technology shared between cultures

Creation of united maritime laws and regulation of sea travel

Widespread adoption of pacifist policies to avoid conflict

Establishment of colonial empires in the New World

Improved diplomatic relations with Indigenous peoples

For economic gain and to compete with Spanish power

To create a military outpost

To setup an agricultural research center

To establish a religious utopia

Spain

Portugal

England

France

Only positive impacts for the Old World.

Solely negative impacts on the New World.

A mutualistic relationship between the Europeans and Native Americans.

Positive and negative impacts on the Old and New World.

Europeans' desire for geographical expansion

The introduction of chattel slavery in the colonies

Disputes over American representation in British Parliament

The establishment of the First Continental Congress