WI no War of the Mantuan Succession

WI Francesco IV, Duke of Mantua, didn't die of smallpox in 1612, neither his son Ludovico? How avoiding the War of the Mantuan Succession could affect the 30 Years War, and Northern Italy?

Also, as Richelieu first met Mazarin during the peace negociations, if there's no war Mazarin could never go to France. How different could be France without Jules Mazarin?
 
"Bump".

Ok, I understand that few people care to lesser Italian states, but, as we say, hope is always the last one to die!:D
 
I honestly have no clue; does it shift France to being involved with the 30 years War at an earlier date?
 
I honestly have no clue; does it shift France to being involved with the 30 years War at an earlier date?

I'm not sure about it. I can only imagine that the Emperor would have more troops available in Germany during this period, when started the Swedish intervention.

Also, probably Northern Italy wouldn't be hit by the plague, because the disease was spread by the troops. OTL, approximately 280,000 people died from the infection. Milan and Venice suffered huge losses of lifes and commerce.

But, if Jules Mazarin had never met Richelieu, who would be his successor?
 
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