WI: Lithuania annexes the Novgorodian Republic

[Otto Kretschmer]

I don't know much about the history of that region at that tine but let's say Novgorod wins the battle of Shelon in 1471 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Shelon albeit with heavy losses. This weakens both Novgorod and Muscovy and allows Lithuania to move in and annex Novgorod.

What are the consequences for Lithuania and the Russian principalities?

For sure this would mean:
1. Significant strengthening of Lithuania due to annexation of significant territory with a huge population and significant resources (forests, furs, trade routes)
2. Delayed or prevented rise of Muscovy.
3. A shift in the balance of power within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth more in favor of Lithuania.

As usual - what do you guys think?

[raharris1973]

Who would then control the home base lands of the Stroganoff merchant family and Yermak Timofeyovich, who led the historic expansion past the Urals into Siberia? Was that based more from original Muscovite/Vladimir-Suzdalite lands, or Novgorodian lands?

[Max Sinister]

Would Lithuania be able to project power as far as Moscow?

[Otto Kretschmer]

Jul 20, 2024 14:55:14 GMT Max Sinister said:

Would Lithuania be able to project power as far as Moscow?

Most likely yes.

[raharris1973]

Jul 20, 2024 17:33:05 GMT Otto Kretschmer said:

Jul 20, 2024 14:55:14 GMT Max Sinister said:

Would Lithuania be able to project power as far as Moscow?

Most likely yes.

Maybe- and even if they don't, they might be able to get "around" it, via the northeastern route through Novgorodian territorial routes, and possibly later via southeastern routes by taking land from the Golden Horde or successor Khanates.