Possible effects of Henry IV refusing to convert to Catholicism

Gian

Banned
As anyone would probably remember, Henry IV of France converted to Catholicism in order to be crowned King (even saying "Paris is well worth a Mass" to that effect).

My question would be to the possible effects of Henry refusing to convert, and thus is crowned France's first Protestant king, and the effects on the Wars of Religion. I'm wondering whether his refusal could lead to an escalation, possibly bringing other powers (ie Spain and England) even more into the fray.
 
I'm not so sure he could have won without his conversion, which gave his forces a shot in the arm by bringing war weary Catholics onto his side. The Parlement de Paris had previous declared Isabela, daughter of Philip II of Spain, the lawful Queen of France, so its possible that without Catholic support for Henry, France could be brought into the Habsburg orbit.
 
I'm not so sure he could have won without his conversion, which gave his forces a shot in the arm by bringing war weary Catholics onto his side. The Parlement de Paris had previous declared Isabela, daughter of Philip II of Spain, the lawful Queen of France, so its possible that without Catholic support for Henry, France could be brought into the Habsburg orbit.

I highly doubt this, as it would be hypocritical to the very reason Salic law exists.
 
Salic Law doesn't have an army; Isabela's a much closer relation to the throne, of orthodox religion, has the backing of the Catholic League, the Paris Parlement, and most importantly, her father's military power. Unless Henry can win Catholic support, Salic Law is due for a revision at the point of Spanish pikes.
 
There's no such thing as an absolute law. If the powerful people of France decide it is in their best interest, they'll cast out Salic Law in a heartbeat.
 
That's always been something I've been curious about myself is if France could have been brought into the Habsburg orbit under Isabella how would things develop from there?
 
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