My Thoughts for Maudland[]
I went ahead and began a WIP map of Maudland and I thought I would also add some of my thoughts on the nation.
The map includes the current boundaries and I added the previous ones to show how much has changed. I also added the canon settlements and the research stations from OTL which could become settlements. This would also include the "Nordenskiöld Base," which includes Finnish and Swedish stations.
I was also considering that the location of the capital be relocated to either "Halley" or possibly "Belgrano II" (since they are more geographically center). I've also wanted to request the possible renaming of Ny Oslo. A little odd that the name is just a new form of the Norwegian capital, plus I'm not too sure how the Swedish Maudlanders would take having their new capital be named after the recently independent Norway. But since I'm not an expert of the Nordic region, I'll leave this up to you.
Demographically, I would see Maudland being predominantly Norwegian (obviously), with Swedes, Finns, Danish, German, and Ognian making up a good number of the population. While I see more Germans immigrating to New Swabia, much of the German Maudlanders today would be from refugees fleeing Nazi New Swabia during the 20th century. I also recall that Santiago had a Finnish President. Maybe we could recycle him as a Prime Minister of Maudland?
The next thing I was thinking about was the two languages of Maudland (Norwegian and Swedish). While they both would be official languages, I'd predict that by today Norwegian-speakers would be the overwhelming majority, with Swedish-speakers being low. This is due to the influence from Norway being greater, combined with the mutual intelligibility between the two languages.
That's all I have for now, but I do have more. I look forward to your thoughts on these. -- NuclearVacuum 01:31, July 9, 2014 (UTC)
Initally is just picked Ny Oslo at random, i'd happily conceed that its not the best name for a capital. Thinking about it retrospectively however i suspect that naming the capital after Oslo makes a certain amount of sense, perhaps as a gesture of sorts, after deciding to join Norway over Sweden. Having it named after King Haakon might also work along those line though, certainly moving its location makes sense with the ajusted map, given that it now sits right at the edge of Norwegian teritory, which seems unlikely given that colonial capitals tend to be close to original settlements or landing points. Demographically you seem spot on to me, Language wise i suspect almost everyone speaks a Norwegian dialect, Swedish being the co-offical language for historic rather than practical reasons.
German refugees makes sense and having a Finnish Premier also seems possible, there are a couple of names on the Premier page that arent that fleshed out, Tulenhemio could replace one of them.Vegas adict (talk) 11:44, July 9, 2014 (UTC)
- What I meant by the name "Oslo" was I'm not sure how the Swedish settlers would take it. Depending on how numerous they make up the population, and how diehard they are towards Sweden, they might not completely favor now being part of Norway (let alone having their capital named in reference to Norway). Though given the calm transfer of sovereignty for Maudland, this scenario shouldn't be that big of an issue. Not too sure about naming it after Haakon VII. Maybe "Kristiania"? Or maybe after a Norwegian explorer (like Roald Amundsen). Thinking on it, Amundsen or a variation of which would probably make a lot of sense. Maybe "Amudsenhavn" (Amundsen Harbor)? But my understanding of Norwegian names is... none. So I'll leave this up to you.
- Another things I wanted to add was the New Swabian Civil War and how Maudland would interact with it. Given their support for which, I believe Bellinsgauzenia would be a major ally and protector of New Swabia. Because of which, I doubt they'd allow any outside intervention in New Swabia any more than China would support intervention in North Korea. So I would say full out war between the two nations would not happen, unless Maudland wishes to go to war with Bellinsgauzenia. With that, I'd guess that the Civil War would remain within New Swabia and not spill over into Maudland (at least intentionally). Though it might be interesting to see the Fascist forces attempt to provoke Maudland into a war so Bellinsgauzenia would have to get involved (very Hitler-esque). Despite the downplay of the war as you have it, I do believe Maudland would still aid and support the democratic forces, just not full on war. This aid (combined with Bellinsgauzenia not completely interested in the continuation of fascism) would result in the democratization of NS in the 1980s. I know this is a very simplified take, but the details will have to be worked out later. -- NuclearVacuum 15:59, July 9, 2014 (UTC)
Swedes would be fine with the name of the capital. Besides, the first colonists from Sweden-Norway would be Norwegian anyway. That'd mean most of the names would have ended up Norwegian-influenced. Remember, first settlements would be from before Norway becomes independent.
Cities named for Haakon or Amundsen would be later establishments, but I can definitely see them existing. Amudsenhavn sounds good - maybe put it where Ny Olso currently is.
Location for Ny Olso... yeah, probably should be moved. I'd suggest in that little bay south of that peninsula that Belgrano is on. The sheltered harbor would be appealing.
Move Ny Kristiansand to the area with all of those lakes, on one of the rivers.
An aside - the named settlements from Santiago on that map can be relocated to New South Greenland.
Language, Norwegian with Swedish offered protection. Bet on basically everyone speaking Norwegian, however, by the present - the two languages are more or less mutually intelligible, after all. A new dialect of Norwegian, with some Swedish influence, would not be surprising.
Demographics, about right.
Putting that Finn from Santiago here would work.
As for the New Swabia Civil War, by that time Bellingauzenia would be not really aligned with them anymore - new government - and involved elsewhere. Maudlandic intervention should be fine. Though I would change it to be because of attacks by pro-government militias that starts it, not the rebels like before.