In the 17th century, Sweden set its sights on becoming a global superpower by establishing "New Sweden" in North America. But with the English and Dutch already established on the East Coast, the Swedes relied on a different strategy — building peaceful trade alliances with local Indigenous tribes. The driver behind it all? Beaver fur. As beaver hats became the ultimate European fashion trend, near-extinction in Europe sent demand skyrocketing. Sweden saw an untapped goldmine in North American wildlife trade. #HistoryShorts #AmericanHistory #Sweden #NewSweden #Shorts #PBS #THIRTEEN #TheStoryOfNewYork #DriveByHistory #NewJersey