Cardinal Giulio Alberoni, Spain, and War of the Quadruple Alliance

First time poster, I absolutely love everything about alternate history...

When I was writing a paper on Leopold von Ranke and the Balance of Power, I came across such an interesting war, the War of Quadruple of Alliance (1718-1720). And, Cardinal Giulio Alberoni has become one of my favorite characters in history. He inspired a King to go to war for his old possessions; even though the Kingdom was not fit for a European Conflict. I wonder what might have happened if Spain won, got back Northern Italy and Sicily.. May have found an ally in France... And Alberoni attaining the Papacy at the death of Clement XI in 1721... Could there have been an allegiance between the Papacy and Spain... A new resurgence of Catholicism and war to defeat Protestantism?
 
First time poster, I absolutely love everything about alternate history...

When I was writing a paper on Leopold von Ranke and the Balance of Power, I came across such an interesting war, the War of Quadruple of Alliance (1718-1720). And, Cardinal Giulio Alberoni has become one of my favorite characters in history. He inspired a King to go to war for his old possessions; even though the Kingdom was not fit for a European Conflict. I wonder what might have happened if Spain won, got back Northern Italy and Sicily.. May have found an ally in France... And Alberoni attaining the Papacy at the death of Clement XI in 1721... Could there have been an allegiance between the Papacy and Spain... A new resurgence of Catholicism and war to defeat Protestantism?

I do not see how Spain could have won said war, as she was pitted against the four greatest powers of the time, Austria, France, Holland, and Great Britain. If you can provide a plausible answer to this, then it would be interesting. I have yet to see a thread on this site about the War of the Quadruple Alliance.
 
I do not see how Spain could have won said war, as she was pitted against the four greatest powers of the time, Austria, France, Holland, and Great Britain. If you can provide a plausible answer to this, then it would be interesting. I have yet to see a thread on this site about the War of the Quadruple Alliance.

Alberoni had a series of crazy schemes to turn the favor of diplomacy in Spain's direction:

One, successfully pressing the claims of Spain to Sicily and Northern Italy to France in the mid 1810's. Alberoni conspired with the Spanish Ambassador in France (Prince of Cellamare) to transfer the regency of Philippe II Duke of Orleans over to Philip V with help of malcontents who disliked Philippe II along with the support of the Duke and Duchess of Maine.

Two, a successful effort by Alberoni's hand to help the Duke of Ormonde in creating the Jacobite Coup to restore the Stuarts to the British throne. Could have single handedly changed the face of the war.

Both these major schemes by Alberoni (roughly 1717-1719), if successful, could have posed a grand boost to Spain. Philip V could have been regent of Spain and benefited from that. As well as help from a Stuart England who could defend Spain as a form of thanks to the restoration. The Emperor and Holland could not stand up towards to Spain, France, and Britain.

And for more wishful thinking, if the war went on past 1719, imagine the propaganda boost if Alberoni convinced the Conclave of 1721 successfully to vote for him. And for Spain to have the Papacy behind it 100% percent. A new Golden Age for Spain, France, and the House of Bourbon.
 
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Alberoni had a series of crazy schemes to turn the favor of diplomacy in Spain's direction:

One, successfully pressing the claims of Spain to Sicily and Northern Italy to France in the mid 1810's. Alberoni conspired with the Spanish Ambassador in France (Prince of Cellamare) to transfer the regency of Philippe II Duke of Orleans over to Philip V with help of malcontents who disliked Philippe II along with the support of the Duke and Duchess of Maine.

Two, a successful effort by Alberoni's hand to help the Duke of Ormonde in creating the Jacobite Coup to restore the Stuarts to the British throne. Could have single handedly changed the face of the war.

Both these major schemes by Alberoni (roughly 1717-1719), if successful, could have posed a grand boost to Spain. Philip V could have been regent of Spain and benefited from that. As well as help from a Stuart England who could defend Spain as a form of thanks to the restoration. The Emperor and Holland could not stand up towards to Spain, France, and Britain.

And for more wishful thinking, if the war went on past 1719, imagine the propaganda boost if Alberoni convinced the Conclave of 1721 successfully to vote for him. And for Spain to have the Papacy behind it 100% percent. A new Golden Age for Spain, France, and the House of Bourbon.

It's "1710s" and "regent of France".

How do you think he would've handled this?
 
It's "1710s" and "regent of France".

How do you think he would've handled this?

Ahhh, interesting concept... I would have to say, really be forceful in supporting and advancing the Jacobites. That is the golden key to getting things done I say and you say. With a Stuart Britain in debt to the Bourbons for helping with the "Second Restoration", James Francis Edward Stuart would have to go along with them in their ventures. For the House of Bourbon to unify in Spain and France, the Regent must be expelled and the Stuarts need to return.
 
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