Emperor Leopold I had two daughters by his wife Claudia Feliticas, however both of them died young, and then his second wife died in 1676.
If one of his daughters had been born a boy, named either Ferdinand or Leopold, what might this have changed? I imagine Leopold might wish to marry again, to secure the succession both for the Holy Roman Empire and for the Habsburg's hereditary Austrian possessions.
When it came time for the Spanish War of Succession, would Leopold support his son by Claudia' and any potential claim he could make to the throne, or would he support a younger son by a third marriage for the throne?
If this kid was born in say 1675, in place of their otl daughter Maria Josepha, that would make him twenty-five when Carlos II does finally kick, he'd likely be married at that point if there is an option for a marriage, who could he marry? His brother Joseph's otl wife?
Having the kid be somewhat smart administratively, with an eye on reform, could make him appealing to certain elements of the Spanish nobility, given Spain's rapid decline.
If one of his daughters had been born a boy, named either Ferdinand or Leopold, what might this have changed? I imagine Leopold might wish to marry again, to secure the succession both for the Holy Roman Empire and for the Habsburg's hereditary Austrian possessions.
When it came time for the Spanish War of Succession, would Leopold support his son by Claudia' and any potential claim he could make to the throne, or would he support a younger son by a third marriage for the throne?
If this kid was born in say 1675, in place of their otl daughter Maria Josepha, that would make him twenty-five when Carlos II does finally kick, he'd likely be married at that point if there is an option for a marriage, who could he marry? His brother Joseph's otl wife?
Having the kid be somewhat smart administratively, with an eye on reform, could make him appealing to certain elements of the Spanish nobility, given Spain's rapid decline.