What would be the effects on Europe and related continents if, say, Louis XIV died before he could be a major problem to the english, dutch and habsburgs? Specifically before the 1660's.
What would the effects be on Spain, the Netherlands (both the dutch republic and the southern catholic provinces), England, Austria, Italy, and Germany? Would these end up being better off without Louie's bellical pushiness?
And what are the effects on France as a country? Would it end up staying decentralized and politically feudal? Would this alternate France still seek colonies like OTL?
 
What would be the effects on Europe and related continents if, say, Louis XIV died before he could be a major problem to the english, dutch and habsburgs? Specifically before the 1660's.
What would the effects be on Spain, the Netherlands (both the dutch republic and the southern catholic provinces), England, Austria, Italy, and Germany? Would these end up being better off without Louie's bellical pushiness?
And what are the effects on France as a country? Would it end up staying decentralized and politically feudal? Would this alternate France still seek colonies like OTL?
How yound does he have to die? Does he die before the birth of his brother, the future Philippe d'Orleans? If not, then I would assume a longer regency of Anna of Austria with Mazarin still in command. Thus, no real change from OTL and likely a fronde as well. Also, I read that Mazarin+Anna of Austria favored Philippe's homosexual tendencies so that only Louis would be seen as "manly" and thus a proper king. Without Louis, they probably wouldn't do that, thus I would assume that Philippe remains more closeted about his preferences during his reign.

But all in all, the general policy of a Philippe VII of France wouldn't differ too much from the policies of Louis XIV. During their lives, Philippe and Louis seemed to agree on most issues. Philippe would also try to get the Spanish Netherlands and the Rhine border as those areas are very strategic for a France becoming stronger. Also, Philippe had the same claims on the Spanish Succession as Louis. If this happens as OTL, you might see less arrogance about it, but the general principle of a Bourbon on the Spanish throne wouldn't change much.

If Louis dies and Philippe isn't born or die as well, then all bets are off. The crown falls on Gaston head (he died on 1660), but he only had daughters. As a brother to the king, he pretty much joined the Nobles against Richelieu and then Mazarin in many conspiracies. It's likely that Mazarin gets the boot and is replaced by a favourite. He might follow a traditionnal aristocratic policy, but kings have been known in the past to change their outlook when they took the throne (see Louis XI who revolted with nobles against his father, then switched to fight those nobles to increase royal power).

Finally, a major change would be that lacking a male issue, the throne at his death would revert to the Condé! Which probably means that Louis XIV would be Louis, le Grand Conde as in the most brillant French general (tied with Turenne) of the era.
 
How yound does he have to die? Does he die before the birth of his brother, the future Philippe d'Orleans? If not, then I would assume a longer regency of Anna of Austria with Mazarin still in command. Thus, no real change from OTL and likely a fronde as well. Also, I read that Mazarin+Anna of Austria favored Philippe's homosexual tendencies so that only Louis would be seen as "manly" and thus a proper king. Without Louis, they probably wouldn't do that, thus I would assume that Philippe remains more closeted about his preferences during his reign.

But all in all, the general policy of a Philippe VII of France wouldn't differ too much from the policies of Louis XIV. During their lives, Philippe and Louis seemed to agree on most issues. Philippe would also try to get the Spanish Netherlands and the Rhine border as those areas are very strategic for a France becoming stronger. Also, Philippe had the same claims on the Spanish Succession as Louis. If this happens as OTL, you might see less arrogance about it, but the general principle of a Bourbon on the Spanish throne wouldn't change much.

If Louis dies and Philippe isn't born or die as well, then all bets are off. The crown falls on Gaston head (he died on 1660), but he only had daughters. As a brother to the king, he pretty much joined the Nobles against Richelieu and then Mazarin in many conspiracies. It's likely that Mazarin gets the boot and is replaced by a favourite. He might follow a traditionnal aristocratic policy, but kings have been known in the past to change their outlook when they took the throne (see Louis XI who revolted with nobles against his father, then switched to fight those nobles to increase royal power).

Finally, a major change would be that lacking a male issue, the throne at his death would revert to the Condé! Which probably means that Louis XIV would be Louis, le Grand Conde as in the most brillant French general (tied with Turenne) of the era.
Is the political centralization of France into the hands of the king inevitable or was it a product of Louis XIV only?
 
Is the political centralization of France into the hands of the king inevitable or was it a product of Louis XIV only?
It was inevitable for France to keep centralising. However the level of absolutism was IMO a consequence of Louis XIV having been traumatised by the Fronde and having no trust left in high-ranking nobles.
 
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