Joseph I, Holy Roman Emperor ruled 1705-1711 and died aged only 32. He seems to have been quite capable in governing and politics. His armies defeated the Hungarian rebels and with British and Dutch support his armies under Eugene made some significant success against the French in both the Low Countries and Italy. His death of smallpox could easily be butterflied.
So, any thoughts on how his survival would change history? Austria was involved at the time in the War of Spanish Succession and the Allies were doing quite well, but even before Joseph's death the British were trying to extricate themselves from the war and take what they can. Joseph's brother, OTL Charles VI still held on in Catalonia and the Spanish Netherlands and Italian lands were under Allies' control. Would his survival effect the war, prolonging it or shortening it, making some different conditions? What happens to Charles? And seeing Joseph respected Eugene of Savoy and appreciated his advice how would this influence Austria itself? Any ideas are welcome
So, any thoughts on how his survival would change history? Austria was involved at the time in the War of Spanish Succession and the Allies were doing quite well, but even before Joseph's death the British were trying to extricate themselves from the war and take what they can. Joseph's brother, OTL Charles VI still held on in Catalonia and the Spanish Netherlands and Italian lands were under Allies' control. Would his survival effect the war, prolonging it or shortening it, making some different conditions? What happens to Charles? And seeing Joseph respected Eugene of Savoy and appreciated his advice how would this influence Austria itself? Any ideas are welcome