War of the Jülich succession

War of the Jülich Succession
Date 1609–1614 Location Jülich-Cleves Result Treaty of Xanten, 1614 Territorial changes Jülich-Cleves-Berg was divided between Wolfgang William, Duke of Palatinate-Neuburg and John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg
Belligerents
Wolfgang William, Duke of Palatinate-Neuburg	John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg	Rudolph II, Holy Roman Emperor (withdrew his claim in 1610)

The War of the Jülich Succession (also known as the Jülich-Cleves War) was a conflict that began in 1609 and ended in 1614 with the signing of the Treaty of Xanten.

Background

When Duke John William of Jülich-Cleves-Berg died on March 25, 1609, he had no legitimate heirs to succeed him. As a result, both Duke Wolfgang William of Palatinate-Neuburg and Elector John Sigismund of Brandenburg claimed inheritance to the throne. Both King Henry IV of France and representatives of the Dutch Republic were suspicious of the possibility that Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II of Habsburg would seize the throne of Jülich-Cleves-Berg. Emperor Rudolph did contemplate annexing more territories to extend Habsburg possessions in the Low Countries. Ultimately, troops from the Holy Roman Empire occupied the fortress at Jülich.

The death of Johan Wilhelm, Duke of Jülich-Cleves-Berg triggered the succession crisis.

Conflict

Eventually, Emperor Rudolf retracted his claim to the throne and for a brief time supported the House of Wettin (Duke of Saxony) and their claim to Jülich-Cleves-Berg. However, the claim made by the House of Wettin was ultimately withdrawn. It was when Duke Wolfgang William and Elector John Sigismund established their respective claims to the throne that the conflict gained momentum. King Henry IV suggested that the lands be divided between both Duke William and Elector Sigismund. The Count of Hesse recommended that both individuals rule Jülich-Cleves-Berg jointly. Both claimants agreed to rule together and they also promised to maintain religious tolerance enshrined in the Dortmund Recess developed on June 10, 1609. Even though the fortress at Jülich was still occupied by Emperor Rudolph's forces, it was eventually besieged by Dutch, Brandenburg and Palatine forces. The siege began on July 28, 1610 and ended on September 2, 1610 when the fortress surrendered and Imperial troops withdrew.

Aftermath

After the conflict, the Dortmund Recess was rejected by the cities of Cleves, Mark, Jülich, Berg, and Ravensberg since the accord was developed without the consent of all five cities. Overall, the five cities preferred to be represented by one prince rather than two. Ultimately the Dortmund Recess was replaced by the Treaty of Xanten, by which Jülich-Cleves-Berg was divided between Duke William and Elector Sigismund.

Legacy

Historically, the Jülich-Cleves War was recognized as a precursor to the Thirty Years' War.

External links

• WHKMLA - The Conflict over Jülich Succession, 1609-1614