Sound Dues

[Bastiram]

In 1429 the Danish King Eric Eric of Pomerania introduced the sound dues for all foreign ships, they had to pay 1-2 % tax for the cargo they carried.

What if he never introduced the sound dues?

Without it Denmark would not be as rich as it was, but the king would not be able to hire mercenaries, and go to war without the state.

Maybe that would force Denmark to be more effective with its resources, like Sweden had to.

But the question is, would Denmark do better, worse or about the same as OTL without all that money ?

 

[Elfwine]

Quite possibly worse, probably not better - although it depends on how this changes things, as no Sound Dues have political consequences (or rather, undue OTL's) as well.

 

[Bastiram]

Well the sound dues pissed off every maritime nation in Europe, that had an interest in the Baltic.
It was really a blessing and a curse, because Denmark gained ALOT of money.
But after Denmark lost Halland and Skåne, no power were interested in seeing Denmark gain those lands back again.
But at the same time it hindered Sweden in annexing Denmark..