WI France supported Spain during the War of the Quadruple Alliance?

a.k.a War of the Spanish Succession, round 2. The Spanish tried to debunk the Treaty of Utrecht in 1717 and invaded Sardinia and Sicily while Austria was distracted fighting the Turks. The British and Dutch intervened on Austria's behalf but the real reason that turned the tide was (surprise) that the French sided with their traditional enemies against the Bourbon monarchy established by themselves in the south, leading to a return to status quo. The reason behind could be the fear of the regent Duc d'Orleans that Philip V of Spain could grow powerfull enough to influence the French crown, then seized by the infant king Louis XV.

But what if France had not "betrayed" Spain, and had joined her side (either because Louis XIV lives longer or for whatever other reason)? Could it had lead to a revision of the Treaty of Utrecht? How much?
 
Last edited:
The reason behind could be the fear of the regent Duc d'Orleans that Philip V of Spain could grow powerfull enough to influence the French crown, then seized by the infant king Louis XV.

Not "could be" but "was". There was a serious risk that Phil could end up on the French throne, especially if young Louie didn't survive long enough to have an heir.
 
What are the chances that someone who is more pro-Philip becomes the Regent for Louis XV?

Alternatively, what-if Louis XV died prior to Philip V's attempt to restore the Spanish Empire? That would avoid the need for a regency POD, and it would bring in the same players as OTL.

Instead of the "War of Quadruple Alliance" you have the "War of French Succession"- if the Duke of Orleans decides to advance himself as the alternative Philip VII (the "Philipian War" or "War of the Two Philips" might be an alternate name).

For the purposes of this scenario, I think that either Louis XV dying or France supporting Philip V's war, would provoke the same kind of reaction from the rest of Europe. The spectre of Franco-Spanish union would appear to be making itself real. The difference would be that in event of Louis XV's death the European allies could rely on some amount of native French support for an invasion of France, since it would be in support of the claims of the Orleanist Philip VII.

The Church would probably support Philip V against his atheist opponent, and I would imagine that many who made up the Regency Council would also support Philip V's claim. With the general European War, the Spanish could probably focus on invading the Italian territories, while Philip V used French resources to secure his place on that Kingdom's throne.

What are the chances that Franco-Spain run the tables and come out of the war with Philip V on both thrones and the territory in Italy?
 
Top