Good King Henry

Summary


This alternative hisory's point of divergence occurs in France, 1610. Ravillac's assassination attempt against King Henry IV is uncovered. King Henry IV rules for ten more years. This leads to a different outcome of the Thirty Years War, the delay of absolutism in France, and less Hugenots in the New World.

General Timeline

 * 1610, Ravaillac's assassination attempt is uncovered. Whilst torturing the conspirators it is revealed that Marie de Medici, Queen of France, was aware of the plot.
 * Pope Alexander VIII anulls the marriage and Henry IV has Marie executed.
 * King Henry marries his favorite concubine, Henriette d'Entragues. Her son by him, Gaston Henri, becomes rightful heir to the throne rather than Louis XIII.
 * 1616, Cardinal Richelieu becomes Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs.
 * King Henry, under the guidance of Richelieu imposes intendants on pro-Habsburg nobles who may wish to restore the sons of Marie de Medici as royalty.
 * The intendants of the crown are executed sparking war between Henry IV and the pro-Habsburg nobles.
 * 1617, With Sweden caught up in a war with Poland, Cardinal Richelieu obtains funds from Denmark to raise a significant standing army and reassert rule over all of France.
 * 1618, War breaks out in Bohemia, marking the start of the Thirty Years War.
 * Henry IV, under the guidance of Cardinal RIchelieu, forms an alliance with Frederick V, Elector of Palatine, in their fight against Habsburg rule.
 * 1620, France captures the Franche-Comte region from Habsburg hands.
 * WIth French support, the Protestant Union wins the Battle of White Mountain. The foundations of and independent Bohemia are layed.