Franz Josef and Elizabeth of Bavaria ("Sisi") were happy at first, but ended with a rather strained marriage. They had three children in quick succession: The Archduchess Sophie (1855, died young), Archduchess Gisela (1856) Crownprinz Rudolf (1858) and finally Marie-Valerie (1868).
Their last child was conceived during a brief conciliation following the 1867 compromise when Franz Josef was formally crowned King of Hungary and Elizabeth, Queen. Supposedly they briefly made up and their last daughter was conceived. Prior to this, ill health had forced Sisi to take cures abroad, not to mention she loathed Vienna. Eventually, however, her sole son and the heir to the empire killed himself and Franz Ferdinand became heir to the throne.
Now. what if Empress Elizabeth, during his brief reconciliation with Franz Josef gives birth to a son? There was some uproar regarding the possible birth of a son, as she wished to name him Stephen, after the Patron Saint of Hungary. Whatever his name, this would give Franz Josef a "spare" and assuming minimal butterflies, would find himself Cronprinz following Mayerling. The large differences is that, with her last child, Elizabeth raised her. Her first three children were taken from her and raised by the Archduchess Sophie, their daughter.
So, what happens if Elizabeth gives birth to Archduke Stephen (or whatever name you want) in 1868, how does this change things? I know it may/could have effects on Mayerling, but given it's just a birth I'm not sure if butterflies would effect it too badly. One thing the Austrians feared out of a second son was the possibility he may be the next King of Hungary and separate the dual monarchy.
Their last child was conceived during a brief conciliation following the 1867 compromise when Franz Josef was formally crowned King of Hungary and Elizabeth, Queen. Supposedly they briefly made up and their last daughter was conceived. Prior to this, ill health had forced Sisi to take cures abroad, not to mention she loathed Vienna. Eventually, however, her sole son and the heir to the empire killed himself and Franz Ferdinand became heir to the throne.
Now. what if Empress Elizabeth, during his brief reconciliation with Franz Josef gives birth to a son? There was some uproar regarding the possible birth of a son, as she wished to name him Stephen, after the Patron Saint of Hungary. Whatever his name, this would give Franz Josef a "spare" and assuming minimal butterflies, would find himself Cronprinz following Mayerling. The large differences is that, with her last child, Elizabeth raised her. Her first three children were taken from her and raised by the Archduchess Sophie, their daughter.
So, what happens if Elizabeth gives birth to Archduke Stephen (or whatever name you want) in 1868, how does this change things? I know it may/could have effects on Mayerling, but given it's just a birth I'm not sure if butterflies would effect it too badly. One thing the Austrians feared out of a second son was the possibility he may be the next King of Hungary and separate the dual monarchy.