Part II 1429-1436
New places to call "home"
Making the province of Österbotten sustain itself had been a long and expensive undertaking, hundreds of ducats had been spent on expeditions and development aid for settlers. All this seemed to vanish when in 1427 the population had grown large enough to maintain a profitable fur trade, which in turn could be taxed. Stories of thrilling adventures in Österbotten had spread like wildfire to all the major cities throughout Sweden. This resulted in a more positive attitude towards colonization of the northern parts of the land, among both nobles, who saw a potential extra income and national glory, and peasants, who often saw Österbotten as a place were they could start better lives, or at least fantasize about it.
Attention soon shifted from east to west, stories of gold, jewels and the slightly more realistic fur trade made the vast area known as Lappland seem very attractive for would-be settlers. Due to Sweden's restricted situation, still being officialy under Denmark's rule, this was an excellent time to expand the borders further.
Expeditions to clear land and negotiate with the natives were taken along the major rivers running through Lappland, especially River Ume and Lule.
It was possible to claim ownership over the region as early as 1431 when the first trade posts were established deep inland along the Lule River. The colonies continually grew over the years, much due to friendly cooperation with the indigenous Sami people, who often welcomed settlers since it sometimes created added incomes because of the ever increasing fur trade.
The Hansa war, part one
Lubeck was, in the 14th century, the wealthiest market in the world. And it was here that the Hansa had their main
kontors. Many nations and individuals profited from the trade that the Hansa made possible, and Sweden with its interest in trade was no exception. Taxation of fur and iron trade had been a significant part of the Swedish revenue for quite some time, and if anything were to disrupt this trade Sweden would be badly hurt.
At the same time as a group of settlers leave for Lappland from Stockholm news reaches appointed officials that the danish king has declared war on the city of Lubeck, and thereby the Hansa and all its allies. The guards are summoned to handle the Turmoil that breaks out among the merchant families and in the German quarters, the grand plans of trade has just gotten compromised...
Norwegian nobles send their troops without haste and in small quantities, it seems like the Swedes are not the only ones disapproving this war. The Danes are left to fend for themselves, since Swedish troops are laying low, it is in these harsh times that one's true loyalty appears.
King Eric VII Gryf is struck by disaster when Denmark looses its main army close to Vorpommern after being routed by Austrian forces, now its only defence lays with the fleet which, to most peoples great surprise, is defeated some distance outside of the city Kiel. The road to Copenhagen, and Sweden, now lay open to the German armies!