Karl Emil, Erbprinz of Brandenburg died in 1674 at Straßburg of dysentery. Karl was far removed from his hump-shouldered younger brother in personality whom Friedrich the Great described as "great in little [things], little in great". He was spirited, quick-tempered and always in favour of war and the hunt - much like his dear old dad, the Great Elector.
If Karl Emil were to survive that dysentery attack at Straßburg, would he still crown himself king of Prussia? And if he did, would he do so with or without imperial consent? (Note: he seems like the sort who would either not care as much about it as his brother, or who would do it whether the emperor (who would most likely be his brother-in-law) said yes or no). Would the arts and sciences still have such a great influence in the electorate as they had under Friedrich? And how might the relation between Austria and Brandenburg be if he does marry Maria Anna Josefa of Austria (OTL Hereditary Princess Palatine)?
If Karl Emil were to survive that dysentery attack at Straßburg, would he still crown himself king of Prussia? And if he did, would he do so with or without imperial consent? (Note: he seems like the sort who would either not care as much about it as his brother, or who would do it whether the emperor (who would most likely be his brother-in-law) said yes or no). Would the arts and sciences still have such a great influence in the electorate as they had under Friedrich? And how might the relation between Austria and Brandenburg be if he does marry Maria Anna Josefa of Austria (OTL Hereditary Princess Palatine)?