Albert I of Germany, seeking to play an important part in European affairs, had first seemed inclined to press a quarrel with the Kingdom of France over the Burgundian frontier, but the refusal of Pope Boniface VIII to recognize his election had led him to change his policy: in 1299, he makes a treaty with King Philip IV, by which his son Rudolph is to marry Blanche, a daughter of the French king.

Few of the German kings possess so practical an intelligence as Albert, a hard, stern man with a keen sense of justice when his own interests are not involved.

He encourages the cities, and not content with issuing proclamations against private war, forms alliances with the princes in order to enforce his decrees.

The serfs, whose wrongs seldom attract notice in an age indifferent to the claims of common humanity, find a friend in this severe monarch, who protects even the despised and persecuted Jews.

Stories of his cruelty and oppression in the Swiss cantons will not appear until the sixteenth century, and are today regarded as legendary.