AHC : A Nation-State BETWEEN France and Germany?

I am talking about Burgundy and the Burgundian-Netherlands.

Dukes of Burgundy Charles the Bold and Philip the Good tried to create a centralized state on the French model out of their separate holdings in the Low Countries, which of course, failed when Mary of Burgundy was forced to sign the Great Privilege, granting autonomy to the Low Countries.

The Great Privilege by and large set the course of history for western Europe. The Low Countries became their own nation-states, while Burgundy became a part of France.
545px-Karte_Haus_Burgund_4_EN.png


Had history indeed gone differently, could Mary refuse to sign the Great Privileges?

Your task is to have the Burgundians consolidate their rule in the Netherlands and gradually build up a sense of identity among the two people, and create a new nation-state (Francia Media perhaps?) between France and Germany. It has to survive to this day.

Bonus if you can think of a proper name for the nation.

*The effects are probably going to be quite significant.

1) We have Netherlands, the birthplace of capitalism under a French-style monarchy, which MIGHT be bad for her.

2) France and Germany does not have a shared border, which means less chance for war. (although they can spend time fighting Burgundy:D)


3) The country is most probably going to be quite wealthy considering the OTL regions it covers are wealthy.
 
I am talking about Burgundy and the Burgundian-Netherlands.

Dukes of Burgundy Charles the Bold and Philip the Good tried to create a centralized state on the French model out of their separate holdings in the Low Countries, which of course, failed when Mary of Burgundy was forced to sign the Great Privilege, granting autonomy to the Low Countries.

The Great Privilege by and large set the course of history for western Europe. The Low Countries became their own nation-states, while Burgundy became a part of France.
545px-Karte_Haus_Burgund_4_EN.png


Had history indeed gone differently, could Mary refuse to sign the Great Privileges?

Your task is to have the Burgundians consolidate their rule in the Netherlands and gradually build up a sense of identity among the two people, and create a new nation-state (Francia Media perhaps?) between France and Germany. It has to survive to this day.

Bonus if you can think of a proper name for the nation.

*The effects are probably going to be quite significant.

1) We have Netherlands, the birthplace of capitalism under a French-style monarchy, which MIGHT be bad for her.

2) France and Germany does not have a shared border, which means less chance for war. (although they can spend time fighting Burgundy:D)


3) The country is most probably going to be quite wealthy considering the OTL regions it covers are wealthy.

Have The Duchy of Burgundy turn into a Kingdom, Lorraine does not merge with France and Savoy does not unite Italy.
 
Having a more successful Charles the Bold (for example, one who actually manages to get a royal title from the Emperor) should do it, along with giving him a competent heir.

I'm doubtful about such a state's ability to last long-term. If a strong state develops in Germany, this Burgundian state is likely to end like Poland.
 
Having a more successful Charles the Bold (for example, one who actually manages to get a royal title from the Emperor) should do it, along with giving him a competent heir.

I'm doubtful about such a state's ability to last long-term. If a strong state develops in Germany, this Burgundian state is likely to end like Poland.

Or the Burgundians could forestall a strong Germany altogether?
 
Or the Burgundians could forestall a strong Germany altogether?

That looks doubtful based on the ethnic and geographic makeup of this proposed state. More likely we would see a weakened France. This in turn may strengthen the German states and the Hapsburgs. I could see Burgundy being allied to Britain in a way similar to Prussia during the Seven Years War, but on a more continuous nature.

Of course if Burgundy is successful enough it could look inviting to Germanic states up to or even just east of the Rhine. So perhaps on second thought it could weaken Germany as well.

Benjamin
 
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