Archduke Joseph was the Hapsburg Palatine (governor) of Hungary from 1796 to 1847, during which time he essentially ran the country for the Hapsburg emperors and presided over a number of reforms, developing close relationships with the Hungarian nobility and helping to mediate between them and the Austrian monarchy. He was married several times, but the most interesting one from an alt-history perspective was to Alexandra Pavlovna, daughter of Russian Czar Paul I and sister to Alexander I and Nicholas I. The marriage took place in 1799, and she died in childbirth, along with the couple's first child, in 1801.
Now, lets say as a POD that Alexandra has a normal lifespan, and that her and Archduke Joseph have at least one surviving son. This son grows up in Budapest, gets to know all the major actors in Hungarian politics, and furthermore is closely related to the Russian Imperial family. For the sake of the TL, lets also say he develops a general affection for Hungary and Hungarian culture, and moderately liberal inclinations. Thus, when 1848 rolls around and Hungary declares independence, it does so by electing our hypothetical son as King.
Thus, the dynamic of the Hungarian revolution is changed considerably. The Hungarians are not trying to overthrow the legitimate dynasty and create a republic, but are instead demanding a split of the Hapsburg empire-something which has historical precident. Furthermore, Hungary has, historically, elected its kings.
Thus, 1848 Hungary in this TL is being led by someone who would be much more palitable to conservatives (in and outside Hungary) and who, furthermore, has a close blood relationship to the Russian royal family. Thoughts?
Now, lets say as a POD that Alexandra has a normal lifespan, and that her and Archduke Joseph have at least one surviving son. This son grows up in Budapest, gets to know all the major actors in Hungarian politics, and furthermore is closely related to the Russian Imperial family. For the sake of the TL, lets also say he develops a general affection for Hungary and Hungarian culture, and moderately liberal inclinations. Thus, when 1848 rolls around and Hungary declares independence, it does so by electing our hypothetical son as King.
Thus, the dynamic of the Hungarian revolution is changed considerably. The Hungarians are not trying to overthrow the legitimate dynasty and create a republic, but are instead demanding a split of the Hapsburg empire-something which has historical precident. Furthermore, Hungary has, historically, elected its kings.
Thus, 1848 Hungary in this TL is being led by someone who would be much more palitable to conservatives (in and outside Hungary) and who, furthermore, has a close blood relationship to the Russian royal family. Thoughts?