Plantagenet Tolerance

If the Plantagenets kept England and Normandy (either Normandy only or win the HYW somehow so they are kings of England and France and their own overlord for Normandy), what chances the kings would be tolerate a Hapsburg hegemony in Austria, Hungary, Netherlands, and Holy Roman Empire?

POD is during the last 3 years of Henry II's life or later.
 
Plantagenêt kings of France and England have no more reason to tolerate Habsburg encirclement of their realm than the Valois. Once the British isles are completely under Plantagenêt hegemony (once France is pacified, odds are Scotland and the Irish would be finished off quickly), their options for enlargement would be the same as the Valois, e.g. Italy and the Netherlands, which put them into direct conflicts with the Habsburgs.
 
Given the explicit borders stated (i.e. not Spain or Italy) - I think they'd tolerate them as they'd be a powerful enough rival that it isn't quite worth them fighting. If they could prevent them reaching that point - then I think they'd act.

In terms of expansion, I think they'd be more interested in Spain and the Netherlands than Italy. It also puts them in a terrifyingly strong position regarding any western discoveries (at which point they'd basically Won The Game).

I think Italy, whilst nice, wouldn't be an objection unless a great opportunity arises. It would be more valuable to have control over the Straits of Gibraltar. Then Italy is toast.
 
Top