The Rise of John the Fearless and the Intensifying Burgundian-Orléanist Rivalry (1404–1407)

Upon his investment as Duke of Burgundy in 1404, John the Fearless immediately entered open conflict with Louis, Duke of Orléans, the younger brother of the increasingly mad King Charles VI. Both men sought to control France in the absence of a stable monarchy, leading to a deepening power struggle that would soon escalate into full-scale civil war.

I. John the Fearless’ Political Strategy and Alliances

• John, Duke of Burgundy, focused on strengthening his power through marriage diplomacy, political alliances, and economic support.
• He arranged a marriage between his daughter Marguerite and Louis, Dauphin of France, while securing Michelle of Valois as the wife of his heir, Philip the Good.
• He actively courted support from the middle class, merchants, tradesmen, and the University of Paris, knowing that the economic and intellectual elite could serve as a counterbalance to noble opposition.

II. Louis of Orléans and His Courtly Maneuvering

• Louis of Orléans, in contrast, worked to win favor within the royal court, particularly through his close relationship with Queen Isabeau of Bavaria.
• Rumors circulated that Louis had become Isabeau’s lover, further deepening the rift between him and John.
• While John sought urban support, Louis relied on royal patronage and courtly influence to consolidate power.

III. The Role of Charles VI’s Other Uncles

• The other uncles of Charles VI had played less active roles in the regency:
  • Louis II, Duke of Anjou, was preoccupied with managing the Kingdom of Naples and had little direct influence in Paris.
  • John, Duke of Berry, largely acted as a mediator between the factions, rather than taking a firm stance.

IV. The Road to Civil War

• The rivalry between John of Burgundy and Louis of Orléans intensified bit by bit, as both factions sought dominance over the incapacitated French monarchy.
• Their growing struggle soon transformed into open hostilities, culminating in a true civil war between the Armagnacs (Orléanists) and the Burgundians.

The power vacuum left by Charles VI’s insanity created a battleground for political factions, and John the Fearless’ rivalry with Louis of Orléans would soon lead to one of the most violent internal conflicts in French history, shaping the fate of the Valois dynasty.