1553-1580: Gold Fevers

Here is that story!
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Map 47

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Since the beginning of Vinland's history, the main gold or silver mines had already been discovered by the natives in Texcoco or Chimu.

This changed in 1553 with the discovery of the formidable gold and then diamond mines in the south of Pernambuco, which was integrated into Parana in 1549. The discoverers were originally Hispanic slave hunters, but the colonial power was informed in 1555 and took control of the region (Monts Chauves).

These mines did not fundamentally change the finances of the Kingdom of Vinland, which had become very rich, but allowed the colonial administration to finance the establishment of many settlers in this hitherto sparsely populated region.

In 25 years (1555-1580) about 800,000 settlers arrive, three-quarters Norman. The majority comes from Normandite but a large third also comes from Chimu. This completely changes the demographic balance of the region.

In 1568 gold was also discovered in Ollonia. This causes a second gold rush. Settlers came mainly from or via Texcoco, but many also crossed the continent and created trails in the wild west. In all, 400,000 settlers emigrated to Ollonia in 12 years.

These new western routes lead to the discovery of new gold mines in 1579 in the Monts Rouge. Located on the borders of Normandite, Kebec and Texcoco, they were the subject of disputes between English and Normans.  The mountainous west is then invaded by honest settlers but also by greedy gold diggers, brutal slave hunters (native women are in great demand), bandits, Protestant heretics fleeing the Inquisition.

For the natives of the region it is a disaster, the end of their way of life and even their imminent death. The monastic colonies supposed to protect them are even looted by slave hunters. The colonial power has difficulty in being respected and is largely corrupt.