WI:Sweden Entered War of Spanish Succession?

What If Sweden Entered War of Spanish Succession?

In 1707, Swedish King Charles XII was in Saxony at the head of an army numbering 43,000 soldiers. The Swedish king, encouraged by France, briefly thought about entering the war against the Holy Roman Empire, but decided against it. What if he had off?

My guess is the Swedish army first marches on Prague. The Allies probably respond by sending an army, under Marlborough and Prinz Eugen, to save the city. Carolus Rex, with his extremely well trained forces, then engages the Allies in battle and defeats them. After this the HRE is forced to sue for peace.
 
I wouldn't be so sure Charles will win. He stands a chance, but he's also facing a pretty decent army himself.

If he's facing Eugen and Marlborough at the same time, he's also likely to be ountnumbered (possibly significantly, though I suppose the allies would not dare leave the French entirely unchecked), and in your scenario, farther from his powerbase than, at least, the Austrians.
 
I wouldn't be so sure Charles will win. He stands a chance, but he's also facing a pretty decent army himself.

If he's facing Eugen and Marlborough at the same time, he's also likely to be ountnumbered (possibly significantly, though I suppose the allies would not dare leave the French entirely unchecked), and in your scenario, farther from his powerbase than, at least, the Austrians.

You are right he probably will be slightly outnumbered, Allies fielded 52,000 at Blenheim so I imagine similar numbers. Charles is outnumbered in almost all his battles so this wouldn't be new to him. Even if he loses it will still be an added problem for the Allies.

Any idea what the Swedish navy would do when it enters the war?
 
You are right he probably will be slightly outnumbered, Allies fielded 52,000 at Blenheim so I imagine similar numbers. Charles is outnumbered in almost all his battles so this wouldn't be new to him. Even if he loses it will still be an added problem for the Allies.

Any idea what the Swedish navy would do when it enters the war?

Oudenaarde had 100k, though, on both sides. As I say, I find it unlikely the allies will focus THAT much, but Blenheim needs not be their maximum.

And, of course, these are battle-hardened troops themselves led by experienced generals, not a Russian army in dire need of reform. It won't be easy (but yes, it's a terrible worry for the allies, who already have trouble enough against the French).

The Swedish navy, I imagine, will hide under fortress guns - I hardly think they'll sail around to see if they can beat the combined Anglo-Dutch navies (none of the Baltic powers ever tried, AFAIK). The Danes might take the opportunity to attack again, also, seeing the Swedes so overextended.
 
Did Sweden even have any kind of dog in that race? ... whats to gain from adding another war to the portfolio?
 
Did Sweden even have any kind of dog in that race? ... whats to gain from adding another war to the portfolio?

Charles, who was hard core Lutheran, wanted guaranteed protection of the Protestant population in Silesia, which the HRE granted him in 1707. If they hadn't off and continued to persecute them, Charles would have felt obligated defend them.

This hearkens back to Gustavus Adolphus: "I am the King of Sweden! And this day I seal with my blood the liberties and religion of the German nation."
 
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And, of course, these are battle-hardened troops themselves led by experienced generals, not a Russian army in dire need of reform. It won't be easy (but yes, it's a terrible worry for the allies, who already have trouble enough against the French)..

Swedes also beat the Saxons multiple times, and they were slightly higher quality then the Russians. Still though your right the Allied forces would be better experienced and trained.

I imagine morale on both sides would be high, both Marlborough and Charles are undefeated at this stage. Overall it would be a good fight.

Anyone have an opinion who was a better commander?
 
Charles, who was hard core Lutheran, wanted guaranteed protection of the Protestant population in Silesia, which the HRE granted him in 1707. If they hadn't off and continued to persecute them, Charles would have felt obligated defend them.

Uhuh. He allied with Bourbon Spain and the man who expelled the Hugenots to protect the protestants.
 
Gustav Adolf was beng supported by a France under Cardinal Richelieu that clobbered the Huguenots into submission, despite their liberties being guaranteed by the Edict of Nantes.
 
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