Europe in 1300

Denmark

Denmark was the major power of the three kingdoms. With control over the straights between the Baltic and the North Sea, and with a long (Viking) history of seamanship, the Danes were active in Baltic trade and fishing from at least the 12th century. The Danes also expanded and colonized all along the southern shores of the Baltic, which brought them into rivalry with the cities of the also-expanding German Hanseatic League. The Danes also held territories in Estonia.

Internally, though, Denmark was a mess. The Duchy of Holstein bordered to the south, and their barons held both rights and territories within Denmark. Kings of Denmark were ever only as strong as their last victory, or as weak as their last defeat, and the monarchy was never able to gain much ground. When Danish kings were able to gain title to Norway or Sweden (or other lands), it was often by marriage or some treaty that did not outlast the current king.