alternatehistory.com

WI Louis XV of France died as a child and a succession war started between Philip V of Spain and the regent Philippe II, Duke of Orleans? The Spanish king was his uncle and had given up his rights to the French crown at the Treaty of Utrecht, but he could still denounce the renounciation. Let's say that this happens after the death of Louis XIV but before the Triple Alliance of Britain, France and the Netherlands (established in 1717 to oppose Spanish designs on Italy and the French throne, later joined by Austria to become the Quadruple Alliance). I assume that the British, Austrians and Dutch would back the Duke of Orleans. Is it possible that this would inject new vigor into the 1st Jacobite Rising?

Edit: Better yet, have it happen before Austria jumps to the aid of Venice in its war with Turkey, so this would have consequences in the east as well. Who knows, maybe the Ottomans will end up conquering Dalmatia and the Ionian Islands. That would place Louis' death sometime in September 1715-April 1716.
Top