Hapsburg Netherlands without Spain
- Thread starter Dargonaut
- Start date
No ultra catholic Philip II to start the revolt. No death of William of Orange in 1584. Revolt is still possible if another ultra catholic ruler, Ferdinand II, comes to power and might turn the Habsburgs in a more troublesome position. The protestants will most likely remain in Flanders while Catholics in Groningen and Drenthe will remain there as well. At least until a revolt breaks out. If Habsburgs succession and wars goes as OTL then a Dutch revolt might break out no early than 1593 with the start of the Long War against the Turks and no later than 1618 when the 30 years war breaks out. Habsburg Austria does however have much more income.
Outside the lowlands there are possibilities: better performing Spain in the 17th century, better performance vs France. Most likely no Armada in 1588. Most likely French aid for the Dutch rather than English IF a revolt were to happen. More wars between France and Austria.
What is Spain doing against France if it does not have the Netherlands and the HRE territories making up "the Spanish Road"?\
Is it just doing better by holding on to Roussillon and ruthless squashing any French interloping in the Caribbean and North America south of the Chesapeake?