Philip II was the son of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. He was Charles V's only living legitimate son, as his father had only two living legitimate daughters, while his other sons died young (There's also John of Austria, but he was illegitimate). It was under Philip II that the Spanish Empire reached a Golden Age, with an empire across the globe, reaching its apex.
As a devout Catholic, he famously saw himself as the defender of Catholicism, with some of his most actions including fighting against the Ottomans in Mediterranean, Protestants in the Low Countries, funding the Catholic League against the Huguenots, and fighting against Elizabeth I of England (Arguably his most famous rival). Another actions including inheriting Portugal and its Empire via a claim from his mother-side, forming the Iberian Union. Another earlier moment was his marriage to Mary of England, which technically made him Jure uxoris the King of England and Ireland through his wife (Though, it didn't last long, and it wasn't a happy marriage on his part, as they failed to have any children)
However, obviously, with so many wars and enemies, Spain also became very in debt and at the same time saw inflation due to the wealth from the New World. But still, Philip II's reign is seen as the height of the Spanish Empire.
With that context out of the way, what if Philip II was instead born a girl (Who we'll call Isabella for simplicity's sake, as his sisters were Maria and Joanna)? Now, this is also accounting that Charles V's other sons still die young, meaning he only has legitimate daughters.
How would this effect succession? Would ITTL Isabella still inherit the throne of Spain? If so, who could she potentially marry? If not, who could inherit the Spanish Crown? How would Philip II being born a woman effect other nation, such as England or Portugal? And assuming Isabella is just as religious as her OTL male counterpart, what could be some changes in her life?
As a devout Catholic, he famously saw himself as the defender of Catholicism, with some of his most actions including fighting against the Ottomans in Mediterranean, Protestants in the Low Countries, funding the Catholic League against the Huguenots, and fighting against Elizabeth I of England (Arguably his most famous rival). Another actions including inheriting Portugal and its Empire via a claim from his mother-side, forming the Iberian Union. Another earlier moment was his marriage to Mary of England, which technically made him Jure uxoris the King of England and Ireland through his wife (Though, it didn't last long, and it wasn't a happy marriage on his part, as they failed to have any children)
However, obviously, with so many wars and enemies, Spain also became very in debt and at the same time saw inflation due to the wealth from the New World. But still, Philip II's reign is seen as the height of the Spanish Empire.
With that context out of the way, what if Philip II was instead born a girl (Who we'll call Isabella for simplicity's sake, as his sisters were Maria and Joanna)? Now, this is also accounting that Charles V's other sons still die young, meaning he only has legitimate daughters.
How would this effect succession? Would ITTL Isabella still inherit the throne of Spain? If so, who could she potentially marry? If not, who could inherit the Spanish Crown? How would Philip II being born a woman effect other nation, such as England or Portugal? And assuming Isabella is just as religious as her OTL male counterpart, what could be some changes in her life?
