The Prince of Peace

[zraith]

Nice to see this continue.

I'm curious if the Austrian Succession Crisis would be labeled as part of this TL's Thirty Year War-type war by future historians.

[DrakeRlugia]

Originally Posted by zraith

Nice to see this continue.

I'm curious if the Austrian Succession Crisis would be labeled as part of this TL's Thirty Year War-type war by future historians.

It might certainly be labeled as part of a Thirty Years War type conflict, considering the crisis also spins into the Wars of Religion in France. It might also be considered a prelude considering it's effects on the empire, especially in regards to the Emperor's growing strength...

[SavoyTruffle]

A War of the Austrian Succession coupled with the TTL counterpart to the Thirty Years' War, eh?

I can see the Burgundian branch pressing their claim to the Austrian branch, but the non-Catholic rulers may want to grab that throne...

Keep it up anyway.

[DrakeRlugia]

Originally Posted by SavoyTruffle

A War of the Austrian Succession coupled with the TTL counterpart to the Thirty Years' War, eh?

I can see the Burgundian branch pressing their claim to the Austrian branch, but the non-Catholic rulers may want to grab that throne...

Keep it up anyway.

Indeed, and the Burgundians have a valid claim. Yet many Princes definitely do not like the idea of such a union. There is also the fact there are strains between the two branches leading up to Maximilian's death. He's disliked in Bohemia given his heavy-handed policies, and there is talk of the Emperor encouraging the Protestants. Max isn't especially loved in Bohemia, but Albert's daughter Mary is... where the Emperor is not especially liked. So it's an interesting conundrum. The Bohemian Protestants favor the Emperor with promises of toleration and autonomy, whilst the Hungarians favor Mary given her father's former popularity and promises he made. Mary's party in Bohemia is not popular, as the Bohemians have no desire to be ruled from Budapest; ditto for the Austrian territories, who are also favoring the Emperor.

[Yorel]

I quite enjoyed that update.

Quite sad though that Albert will never become neither Holy Roman Emperor nor King of Bohemia or King of Hungary. He seemed like a good man and would probably have proven an able ruler.

I'm still wondering how the Austrian Hapsburg succession will turn out in this scenario. I'm guessing that Albert's eldest daughter, Mary, ends up as Queen of Hungary as suggested by the quote. It's not impossible for it to be so: Hungary applied male-preference primogeniture if I recall correctly. Question is: does this means end of Hapsburg rule in Hungary? Or does she marry a Hapsburg cousin?

I don't have any idea how it will turn out in Bohemia given the rather explosive situation there (at least according to your description). The Bohemians could choose either the future Emperor, Archduchess Mary or even a Protestant Prince like they did with the "Winter King" OTL (although much later than currently ITTL).

As for the Holy Roman Empire, I'm guessing the crown will probably end up in the hands of Maximilian's closest male relative. Upon which I'm a bit lost: you mention a nephew of Maximilian somewhere, but you then tell us than the Austrian Hapsburgs have no longer male heirs. Who is this nephew? The son of one of Maximilian's sisters?

I'll be waiting for the next update. Will you turn back to the situation in France? Or will you talk about Spain as the poll about Carlos I's bride let me suppose so?
Though I won't mind the update on Spain, I'd prefer to have one on France: I'm a bit curious about how the relationship between François III and Archduchess Barbara will turn out. Plus, I do wonder how this plays out in the Religious Wars...

[SavoyTruffle]

Originally Posted by Yorel

I quite enjoyed that update.

Quite sad though that Albert will never become neither Holy Roman Emperor nor King of Bohemia or King of Hungary. He seemed like a good man and would probably have proven an able ruler.

I'm still wondering how the Austrian Hapsburg succession will turn out in this scenario. I'm guessing that Albert's eldest daughter, Mary, ends up as Queen of Hungary as suggested by the quote. It's not impossible for it to be so: Hungary applied male-preference primogeniture if I recall correctly. Question is: does this means end of Hapsburg rule in Hungary? Or does she marry a Hapsburg cousin?

I don't have any idea how it will turn out in Bohemia given the rather explosive situation there (at least according to your description). The Bohemians could choose either the future Emperor, Archduchess Mary or even a Protestant Prince like they did with the "Winter King" OTL (although much later than currently ITTL).

As for the Holy Roman Empire, I'm guessing the crown will probably end up in the hands of Maximilian's closest male relative. Upon which I'm a bit lost: you mention a nephew of Maximilian somewhere, but you then tell us than the Austrian Hapsburgs have no longer male heirs. Who is this nephew? The son of one of Maximilian's sisters?

I'll be waiting for the next update. Will you turn back to the situation in France? Or will you talk about Spain as the poll about Carlos I's bride let me suppose so?
Though I won't mind the update on Spain, I'd prefer to have one on France: I'm a bit curious about how the relationship between François III and Archduchess Barbara will turn out. Plus, I do wonder how this plays out in the Religious Wars...

Er, the Burgundian line has been holding the Imperial title for three generations now (from Philip I to Charles V to Frederick IV so far).

What is possible is for the union between Bohemia and Hungary to be severed; Mary II keeps Hungary while Bohemia and the Hereditary Lands fall under a Habsburg from the Burgundian line. Does Frederick IV have siblings or sons at this point?

[zraith]

Did OTL or TL Habsburgs have any bastards floating around?

Could make the situation even more volatile if Maximilian is desperate enough to have one deemed a legal heir and become a part of the line of succession. Which might be out of character for him based on his religious stance and view for births out of wedlock.

[DrakeRlugia]

Originally Posted by Yorel

I quite enjoyed that update.

Quite sad though that Albert will never become neither Holy Roman Emperor nor King of Bohemia or King of Hungary. He seemed like a good man and would probably have proven an able ruler.

I'm still wondering how the Austrian Hapsburg succession will turn out in this scenario. I'm guessing that Albert's eldest daughter, Mary, ends up as Queen of Hungary as suggested by the quote. It's not impossible for it to be so: Hungary applied male-preference primogeniture if I recall correctly. Question is: does this means end of Hapsburg rule in Hungary? Or does she marry a Hapsburg cousin?

I don't have any idea how it will turn out in Bohemia given the rather explosive situation there (at least according to your description). The Bohemians could choose either the future Emperor, Archduchess Mary or even a Protestant Prince like they did with the "Winter King" OTL (although much later than currently ITTL).

As for the Holy Roman Empire, I'm guessing the crown will probably end up in the hands of Maximilian's closest male relative. Upon which I'm a bit lost: you mention a nephew of Maximilian somewhere, but you then tell us than the Austrian Hapsburgs have no longer male heirs. Who is this nephew? The son of one of Maximilian's sisters?

I'll be waiting for the next update. Will you turn back to the situation in France? Or will you talk about Spain as the poll about Carlos I's bride let me suppose so?
Though I won't mind the update on Spain, I'd prefer to have one on France: I'm a bit curious about how the relationship between François III and Archduchess Barbara will turn out. Plus, I do wonder how this plays out in the Religious Wars...

Yeah, sorry about that. The Burgundian branch (ie, the main branch of the Habsburgs) have been reigning Emperor's since the time of Charles V. This is the branch of Charles V and his heirs reigning out of the Low Countries. Referring to Ferdinand in that post as Emperor was a mistake. The OTL Emperor Ferdinand was merely King of Bohemia, Hungary, and Croatia.

As for Habsburg rule in Hungary... it is technically over; Mary does not marry a Habsburg cousin. Yet the Treaty ending the succession conflict maintains her right and those of her children to be styled as Archdukes of Austria, and a secret clause sees that should the other branch of the Habsburgs go extinct, the Emperor will adopt one of her descendents. As for her husband, it is up between the Duc d'Orléans (that is, the son of François III), with a House of Habsburg-Orléans in Hungary, or perhaps Sigismund Jagiellon. Another idea is a German Prince... haven't decided yet. Another idea would be marrying her to one of her second cousins; her great-aunt Helena was married to the Duke of Mantua with issue, while Johanna was married to the Duke of Modena. This leaves a half-Habsburg generation of the Houses of Gonzaga and Este, who might gladly abandon their tiny principalities for the crown of Hungary (and perhaps bigger hopes for Bohemia and Austria, and perhaps the Imperial Crown). The surviving Palaeologus of Montferrat also make an (ironic) choice.

Originally Posted by SavoyTruffle

Er, the Burgundian line has been holding the Imperial title for three generations now (from Philip I to Charles V to Frederick IV so far).

What is possible is for the union between Bohemia and Hungary to be severed; Mary II keeps Hungary while Bohemia and the Hereditary Lands fall under a Habsburg from the Burgundian line. Does Frederick IV have siblings or sons at this point?

It's possible, but the Bohemians don't want to be ruled from Hungary. Nor is Mary popular there. Maximilian never extended any toleration towards the Bohemian Protestants, and the Archduke Ferdinand as Governor of Bohemia carried out his own repressions. Matters are complicated by the Emperor promising toleration for the Bohemian Protestants as well as freedom of assembly for the Estates.

Frederick IV has two sons, Ferdinand (b. 1550), his son and heir who is also married to the Princess Anne of England circa 1575. And the Archduke William (b. 1553). Frederick is persuing a pro-Protestant foreign policy, and has been active supporting the Huguenots and seeking an alliance with Queen Elizabeth. Naturally the Austrian Habsburgs are looking a bit more conservative.

Originally Posted by zraith

Did OTL or TL Habsburgs have any bastards floating around?

Could make the situation even more volatile if Maximilian is desperate enough to have one deemed a legal heir and become a part of the line of succession. Which might be out of character for him based on his religious stance and view for births out of wedlock.

In OTL yes, but ITTL no. Maximilian had two brothers, but one died in the 1560s without marrying, and the archconservative Archduke Ferdinand, married to Maria of Spain, has no surviving children. The Imperial branch of the Habsburgs are still alive and well, and the Emperor Frederick has a second son who could marry Mary, which Maximilian would prefer... but Frederick's support of the Protestants within Max's domains (that is, outside of Hungary: pragmatically he's allowed Hungary freedom under Albert until his death in 1579, all while repressing the Protestants in Bohemia and Austria).

Aside from that, Maximilian has a variety of nephews from his numerous sisters, such as the Dukes of Mantua and Modena.

[SavoyTruffle]

That reminds me how much like OTL Maximilian II TTL's Frederick IV is. Which could mean rumors about him being a crypto-Protestant...

[DrakeRlugia]

Originally Posted by SavoyTruffle

That reminds me how much like OTL Maximilian II TTL's Frederick IV is. Which could mean rumors about him being a crypto-Protestant...

There are a few similarities, although like Maximilian, Frederick IV is operating from a political standpoint. Siding with the Protestant Party was important in his father's reign as they were the opposition and he made a good figure head to oppose Charles' ultra Catholic politics. He also made a very good protector of the growing Protestant movement in the Low Lands.

I think the biggest difference is, Frederick IV isn't a disappointment to the Protestants within the Empire as Max became following his ascension (such as his refusing to let Protestants occupy Prince-Bishoprics and trying to convince the Papacy to enact genuine reforms to the Catholic Church). Frederick IV definitely continues to occupy such a position in opposition to his cousin Max the Pious of Bohemia, who would take over Charles V's position as the leading Catholic Prince of the empire; Frederick IV probably refuses to take part in the Councils of Guatalla (ATL Trent) at all and when Albert croaks, he begins to meddle in the affairs of Austria and Bohemia (siding with the Protestants there... most especially in Bohemia, where he'd start courting the Estates). Frederick IV and probably actually get along... and before Albert's death was probably helping him in convincing Max to extend liberties to the Bohemians, quite aware that it would weaken the King of Bohemia's position.

Max's reign in Hungary is quite interesting, simply because he never quite reigns. He's King only in name... his son forces unpalatable concessions down his throat, such as extending religious tolerance and freedom of assembly for the Diet. He later has to hand over the reigns to Albert, who effectively governs in his name. When Albert dies, Max is still unable to effectively govern in Hungary, as he is prevented from appointing any foreigners. Instead the Archduchess Claude fills the void in setting the stage for her husband's supporters to monopolize power and begin the transition towards her daughter.

[Janprimus]

The Habsburg rule in Hungary (and all other territories under the Crown of St. Stephen, like Croatia) will fall to another house, personally I would find a German prince or the house of Modena or Este interesting.

However, as I read it, the sitation in the territories of the Austrian branch within the empire can be different. The Burgundian Habsburg branch especially has a strong claim on the Austrian Lands and they seem to be in position were they can be elected as kings of Bohemia. This would strengthen their position in the empire (including a vote in electoral college (as king of Bohemia)), and keeping their focus there.
Alternatively the Austrian Lands can pass to Habsburg-Burgundy and Hungary and Bohemia could both elect a different king.

Maybe Catherine does marry the heir (or ruler) of Habsburg-Burgundy and her cousin to deal with the inheritance; or less ideally for Habsburg-Burgundy a younger son. So Habsburg-Burgundy will be heirs general, but since Hungary technically is an elective monarchy (Bohemia IOTL was too, until the Habsburgs were victorious in Bohemia during the 30 yrs war and they succeeded in making it hereditary) they can decide to elect Mary's husband instead.
Furthermore Bohemia was elective too and if they wish too end their ties with Hungary, then they can't elect Mary or her husband. Bohemia's options are electing Catherine, Catherine's husband or another candidate. This other candidate can be the main imperial Habsburg (Burgundy) branch, a cadet branch of Habsburg Burgundy or another German prince or a Jagiellon prince.
Obviously any candidate, who also happens to the Husband of Catherine, who also is a princess of Bohemia, has an advantage (but the estates can decide otherwise).

Personally having the sole surviving branch of the house of Habsburg, Habsburg-Burgundy, (re-) uniting all the Habsburg possessions within the empire, including Bohemia could be interesting for the empire. Sure they won't like losing Hungary, but with that as an almost certainty. Making sure that they inherit the Austrian Hereditary Lands of the house of Habsburg, which shouldn't be a problem and ensuring their election in Bohemia, which will be more challenging, becomes vital to them.

[DrakeRlugia]

Originally Posted by Janprimus

The Habsburg rule in Hungary (and all other territories under the Crown of St. Stephen, like Croatia) will fall to another house, personally I would a German prince or the house of Modena or Este interesting.

However as I read it the sitation of the territories of the Austrian branch within the empire can be different. The Burgundian Habsburg branch especially has a strong claim on the Austrian Lands and they seem to be in position were they can be elected as kings of Bohemia. This would strengthen their position in the empire (including a vote in electoral college (as king of Bohemia)), and keeping their focus there.
Alternatively the Austrian Lands can pass to Habsburg-Burgundy and Hungary and Bohemia could both elect a different king.

Maybe Catherine does marry the heir (or ruler) of Habsburg-Burgundy and her cousin to deal with the inheritance; or less ideally for Habsburg-Burgundy a younger son. Habsburg-Burgundy will be heirs, but since Hungary technically is an elective monarchy (Bohemia IOTL was too, until the Habsburgs were victorious in Bohemia during the 30 yrs war and they succeeded in making it hereditary) they can decide to elect Mary's husband instead.
Furthermore Bohemia was elective too and if they wish too end their ties with Hungary, then they can't elect Mary or her husband. Bohemia's options are electing Catherine, Catherine's husband or another candidate. This other candidate can be the main imperial Habsburg (Burundy) branch, a cadet branch of Habsburg Burgundy or another German prince or a Jagiellon prince.
Obviously any candidate, who also happens to the Husband of Catherine, who also is a princess of Bohemia, has an advantage (but the estates can decide otherwise).

Personally having the sole surviving branch of the house of Habsburg, Habsburg-Burgundy, (re-) uniting all the Habsburg possessions within the empire, including Bohemia could be interesting for the empire. Sure they won't like losing Hungary, but with that as an almost certainty. Making sure that they inherit the Austrian Hereditary Lands of the house of Habsburg, which shouldn't be a problem and ensuring their election in Bohemia, which will be more challenging, becomes vital to them.

Hungary will be falling to a another house, although the Habsburg legacy will be maintained through Mary II. I'm still undecided. An Italian Prince would be interesting, but I think they'd be unlikely to respect the religious toleration and Reformed (State) Church, even though the Queen herself is a Catholic. A Protestant marriage might be pushed by the magnates to ensure Protestant heirs, and Claude would certainly have no issue with it, although obviously her leanings back home lead her to strongly support the candidacy of her nephew the Duke of Orléans (and for a time he is also the holder of the Marian Claim of England & Ireland: hence we get a funny issue of a possible King of Hungary, England, and Ireland ).

The Emperor is in the strongest position to claim Austria and Bohemia though, yes. Especially following some, ahem, deals with some of the neighboring Protestant Electors. While the Emperor does have a younger son who could succeed in Bohemia, I think he wishes to claim it for himself. It'd increase the prestige of the Imperial Crown, as the Emperor holding the Low Countries, Bohemia, and Austria, with a royal crown and the Imperial Title would be pretty important. Frederick IV's heir is already married by the 1580s, but his wife dies in the 1590s, so he could certainly take Catherine as his second wife (I intended him to remarry anyways), as it would maintain a symbolic connection to the Austrian branch. Of course, that branch is not popular in Bohemia, but it'd still be an important match.

Other candidates for the Bohemian Crown aside from the Emperor might be his second son; Prince Sigismund Jagiellon; a Calvinist Prince, probably from the Palatinate or Hesse; perhaps one of the sons of the Duke of Cleves (and thus a brother/nephew of the King of Denmark, as William the Rich married the Danish heiress following the death of her first husband).

Seeing an independent Bohemia in the empire alongside an independent Hungary would be interesting, but storywise, the Emperor has to claim the majority of the Austrian inheritance. It plays an important role in the increasing centralization of the HRE (of course, the HRE is still quite decentralized compared to say, England or France): but the Emperor with Bohemia, Austria, and the Low Countries would have a great position of strength and many wealthy territories.

[Gonzaga]

First, it's a good chapter as always.

Regarding Mary of Hungary, I believe her marriage will be related to her religious inclinations. If she becomes deeply Protestant then her husband would probably be a Lutheran or Calvinist German, maybe a converted French "prince du sang" or a Navarrese husband. Is there any Scandinavian available? And don't forget that now Elizabeth has some kids available .

If that isn't the case, then I think a Jagellion would be a sensible option. A Bavarian would be interesting, especially if she is able to keep the Bohemian territories.

Anyway, considering that her inheritance will probably be challenged, her husband probably need to be someone whose family would be extremely important in giving Mary military support to defend her claims and secure her territories. That's why I think that a lesser noble wouldn't work.

I can't remember now, how is the situation in Transilvanya? Did they become an independent (or semi-independent) principality as IOTL?

[DrakeRlugia]

Originally Posted by Gonzaga

First, it's a good chapter as always.

Regarding Mary of Hungary, I believe her marriage will be related to her religious inclinations. If she becomes deeply Protestant then her husband would probably be a Lutheran or Calvinist German, maybe a converted French "prince du sang" or a Navarrese husband. Is there any Scandinavian available? And don't forget that now Elizabeth has some kids available .

If that isn't the case, then I think a Jagellion would be a sensible option. A Bavarian would be interesting, especially if she is able to keep the Bohemian territories.

Anyway, considering that her inheritance will probably be challenged, her husband probably need to be someone whose family would be extremely important in giving Mary military support to defend her claims and secure her territories. That's why I think that a lesser noble wouldn't work.

I can't remember now, how is the situation in Transilvanya? Did they become an independent (or semi-independent) principality as IOTL?

Mary remains Catholic, but a politique. Most importantly, the Reformed Church is recognized as the State Church of the Kingdom and Hungary. The Catholics and Lutherans have religious freedom, though. So we have a peculiar situation where the crown is worn by a Roman Catholic yet the religion of the state is Calvinism. There would probably still be some arguing over her marriage: the Catholics would want a Catholic King for their Catholic Queen in hopes of maintaining the status quo. A Protestant husband might be desired in hopes that the children would follow the religion of their father, thus a Roman Catholic Queen would merely be an aberration of that generation. I think a Catholic marriage is most likely myself, but I'm still keeping options open.

There are some Scandinavians available: one option might be one of the sons of William 'the Rich', the Duke of Cleves. He ended up taking Anna of Denmark as his wife, so those children would have Protestant and Royal Connections. A wild card option would be a son of the Duke of Modena; in lieu of Renée of France (who married the King of Navarre), Alessandro of Modena* instead married Mary of Burgundy: that is, the widow of Louis II Jagiellon of Hungary and Bohemia. They had only one child, Luigi (b. 1536) So Mary marrying a son of the Luigi would have some propaganda value, as they would be the grandchild of Mary of Burgundy, the last pre-Mohacs Queen of Hungary...

As for Transylvania, it was never split from Hungary as in OTL. Instead of conquering Hungary, the Ottomans instead propped up the House of Zapolya over the majority of the kingdom (minus the portions occupied by the Habsburgs) and used it as a war chest of sorts when needed.

*ATL Ercole II

[zraith]

It plays an important role in the increasing centralization of the HRE (of course, the HRE is still quite decentralized compared to say, England or France): but the Emperor with Bohemia, Austria, and the Low Countries would have a great position of strength and many wealthy territories.

This might be the biggest problem and obstacle.

If the Emperor is vying to be the Elected King of Bohemia, I imagine that there would be opposition of such a move outside Bohemia. While the rest of the German Princes and Electors may not have that much influence or a chance of influencing what happens with the Austrian hereditary lands and thus an increase in the Emperor powers, Bohemia is another matter. A move that would limit the Emperor's power would be something that probably numerous Princes and possibly the Pope (wanting to limit the spread of heresies) get involved in or support.

I think that there might be opposition in the Austrian lands themselves by the nobles there, depending on how pious or how against the Protestant movement they are.

This might also spread outside the Empire itself as outside Powers try to curtail the powers of the Emperor.

[DrakeRlugia]

Originally Posted by zraith

This might be the biggest problem and obstacle.

If the Emperor is vying to be the Elected King of Bohemia, I imagine that there would be opposition of such a move even outside Bohemia. While the rest of the German Princes and Electors may not have that much influence or a chance of influencing what happens with the Austrian hereditary lands and thus an increase in the Emperor powers, Bohemia is another matter. A move that would limit the Emperor's power would be something that probably numerous Princes and possibly the Pope (wanting to limit the spread of heresies) get involved in or support.

I think that there might be opposition in the Austrian lands themselves by the nobles there, depending on how pious or how against the Protestant movement they are.

Indeed. There would be no way for the Emperor to get the entire Austrian inheritance, there would be too much of an uproar. While having a second son elected would let the entirety of the Bohemia probably fall into their hands, in regards to the Emperor, there is certainly some negotiation needed. Both Saxony and Brandenburg are bought off so to speak, the King of Poland (probably finding the suit of Prince Sigismund rejected for the Archduchess Mary is also compensated with a rich piece of territory that was Polish in medieval times.

The end of the succession also involves some reorganization along the lines of Philip the Fair; we see some more ecclesiastical suppression's in favor of secular princes. While the Great Electors might seek to have Imperial Power not increased, I think many of the smaller ones (such as the Imperial Knights) would probably support it, as it would earn them a protector. The Pope would probably prefer a pious Catholic such as Maximilian over Bohemia, but if it fell down to the Emperor or a Protestant Prince, he'd probably support the Emperor. The Churches position in the empire is fairly weak anyways, though, given Philip's sales of Church property. Despite a Restoration of sorts under Charles V, the Church still lost vast revenues and even more in influence.

[DrakeRlugia]

And a picture of the Kingdom of Bohemia post the succession crisis.

[zraith]

Originally Posted by DrakeRlugia

Both Saxony and Brandenburg are bought off so to speak, the King of Poland (probably finding the suit of Prince Sigismund rejected for the Archduchess Mary is also compensated with a rich piece of territory that was Polish in medieval times.

Now I can't wait to see who Archduchess Mary of Hungary finally marries.

Question about the image that was posted, those Silesian land and I assume titles for the lands are still part of the Empire or have they been taken out? Not sure how much would the other German Princes love the idea of having a foreign Power have direct access to the inner workings of the Empire or the Polish King enjoying the idea of being embroiled with Empire politics.

I guess that Saxony was given concessions someplace else other than Bohemia? The only changes I see is that piece of Bohemian land was given to Brandenburg and Poland.

[Janprimus]

Originally Posted by DrakeRlugia

And a picture of the Kingdom of Bohemia post the succession crisis.

I don't know whether the Bohemian Estates will be thrilled about giving away territories, which are a part of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown.
Doing so would (greatly) weaken the position of any king of Bohemia.

Regarding not getting the entire Austrian inheritance, they already lose the Lands of the Crown of St. Stephen (most important parts Hungary and Croatia).

The imperial branch will inherit the Austrian Hereditary Lands, because they are the legal heirs to it, the alternative would set an unwanted precedent even for those in the HRE opposing the Habsburgs.

This only leaves the Lands of the Crown of St. Wenceslaus (Bohemia) and like I said, they like to remain intact; so IMHO they either get all the Bohemian Lands or someone else is elected.

Not surprisingly I'd prefer to see them with all the Lands of the Bohemian Crown; not inheriting Hungary and Croatia is IMHO already a major part of the inheritance of the Austrian branch they aren't getting.

[zraith]

Are the Hungarian and Croatian crowns separate or joint? I think it was only mentioned that Mary of Hungary only has the Kingdom of Hungary not also the Kingdom of Croatia.

About Hungary and "Royal" Hungary, do these stay separate or do the Habsburgs give it back to Hungary?