alternatehistory.com

In OTL 1868-1875, Spain was in a nasty revolution that expelled the house of Bourbon, and they didn't regain the throne until 1875.

What if:
  • The rebels offered the crown to Archduke Karl Ludwig of Austria, younger brother of Franz Joseph I, instead of Amadeo of Savoy.
  • Austria accept the offer but France vetoed against it, which triggered war between Austria and France over Spanish succession.
  • France was defeated, public anger demand the resignation of Napoleon III, instead he hanged himself a few days after the signing of the peace treaty. With vast majorities of French people against Napoleon IV's inheritance, France was left in a state of chaotic interregnum.
  • Austria, still have great influence of now chaotic France, offered the currently in exiled Bourbons the French crown in exchange of the Legitimacy of Spanish crown they seem cannot hold on to.
  • Bourbons agreed, Spain is now again under Habsburg control.
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