War of the Jülich succession
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-Neuberg 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 extant Habsburg possessions in the Low Countries. Ultimately, troops from the Holy Roman Empire occupied the fortress at Jülich.
Conflict
Eventually, Emperor Rudolf retracted his claim to the throne and for a brief time advocated 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 removed. It was up until 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 retreated.
Aftermath
After the conflict, the Dortmund Recess was rejected by the cities of Cleves, Mark, Jülich, Berg, and Ravensburg 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.
Legacy
Historically, the Jülich-Cleves War was recognized as a precursor to the Thirty Years' War.