Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian has a second son.

Got another Habsburg question for you fine folks.

Emperor Maximillian was married three times, and had children from his first wife. One of those kids Francis was born and died in 1481, however, if he had survived, what might the consequences have been? Assuming some small butterflies, such as Philip and his wife Juana inheriting Castile, what would the situation be in regards to the Empire? Would, Maximillian aim to have his second son proclaimed King of the Romans and then Emperor instead of Philip, or would he want Philip to get it all?

Second question, related to the above, if Maximilian had had a son by his Sforza marriage in say 1495, what consequences could this have had for the war in Italy, as well as for the Empire?
 
I thought about scenario with son of Max and Bianca-unlike his older brother and nephews, who were raised in Netherlands or Spain, that son would be propably German-raised. So I suppouse he will be main Habsburg candidate for Imperial throne after his father. So Spanish-Imperial union could never happen.
 
I thought about scenario with son of Max and Bianca-unlike his older brother and nephews, who were raised in Netherlands or Spain, that son would be propably German-raised. So I suppouse he will be main Habsburg candidate for Imperial throne after his father. So Spanish-Imperial union could never happen.

Alright interesting, would this therefore mean that Ferdinand would merely remain within Spain as an Infante and advisor to his brother?
 
Hmm aye, his more balanced view on things could well prevent the dutch revolt, as could that of his son's.
 

Vitruvius

Donor
I always assumed that if Francis lived and Philip still died like OTL Francis would be well positioned to succeed Maximilian as Emperor, especially if Maximilian willed him Austria. Better Austria go to a capable adult than an adolescent tied up in struggles with France outside the Empire.

Francis can coordinate with his sister Margaret who is probably still Regent in the Netherlands while his nephew Charles focuses his energies on Spain and Italy.
 
I always assumed that if Francis lived and Philip still died like OTL Francis would be well positioned to succeed Maximilian as Emperor, especially if Maximilian willed him Austria. Better Austria go to a capable adult than an adolescent tied up in struggles with France outside the Empire.

Francis can coordinate with his sister Margaret who is probably still Regent in the Netherlands while his nephew Charles focuses his energies on Spain and Italy.

That is what I was thinking as well. Would Francis marry a local German Princess then?
 
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