alternatehistory.com

Charles V had wanted his son Philip, the one who got Spain, to succeed his brother Ferdinand as Holy Roman Emperor, while Ferdinand's son Maximilian, who did succeed him in OTL, was to merely govern the Empire as King of the Romans; he was also to be King of Bohemia. For some reason this was never implemented. But WI it was?

The easiest way to ensure this is to get Maximilian out of the way. In 1552 he fell ill while campaigning in Hungary, and it was suspected that he was poisoned by Spanish interests. So one option is to have him die then. Another option is for him to convert to Lutheranism, which he seems to have been attracted to. Had he done this it is certain that he would've never gotten the throne. I personally think the latter option opens more interesting possibilities, especially if Max can keep Bohemia, as this would alter the balance in the electoral college in the Protestants' favor.
Top