Philip IV of Spain lives 10 to 20 years longer
- Thread starter If1800
- Start date
Not having a formal regency or at least the the rivalry between Juan Jose and Mariana could help but Charles is still going to be a weak King. Also Philip living potentially prolongs the war with Portugal which won't be good for Spain. Question is whether Louis decides to go to war with Spain again without the notional causus belli of his wife's succession rights.
I'm not sure if this pushes up or moves back Margaret Theresa's marriage to Leopold. There's also the question of Charles' marriage as Philip would likely be the one to arrange it if he lives through the 1670s. But it would probably be tied up in the outcome of any possible alt war with France that might occur during that period.
I'm not sure if this pushes up or moves back Margaret Theresa's marriage to Leopold. There's also the question of Charles' marriage as Philip would likely be the one to arrange it if he lives through the 1670s. But it would probably be tied up in the outcome of any possible alt war with France that might occur during that period.
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Depends on who emerges as favourite after Haro during a longer reign of Philip. Medina de las Torres was the only rational one in Madrid, or at least he recognized the desperate need for peace with Portugal. But OTL he had too many enemies at court and Philip never really showed interest in giving him significant power, more just used him to counterbalance Haro to prevent anyone from being established with Olivares' full powers. But he was able to use the tumult after Philip's death and the transition to Mariana's regency to push forward negotiations with Portugal.
So there's a danger that Spanish government under Philip that lacks a strong favourite just prolongs a deleterious status quo and sleep walks into another war with France.
So there's a danger that Spanish government under Philip that lacks a strong favourite just prolongs a deleterious status quo and sleep walks into another war with France.