Political Crisis in Brabant and the Separation …

Years: 1420 - 1420

Political Crisis in Brabant and the Separation of Jacqueline and John IV (1420)

By 1420, tensions within the Duchy of Brabant had escalated due to John IV’s reliance on advisors from the Cod faction, a political alignment that alienated both his wife, Jacqueline of Bavaria, and the traditional aristocracy of Brabant.

When Jacqueline left her husband in 1420, the States of Brabant turned against John IV, appointing his brother, Philip of Saint-Pol, as regent. A forceful reaction from John IV was prevented by a guild uprising in Brussels, which temporarily compelled him to accept their demands.

I. Political Discontent in Brabant

  • The Cod faction—which supported Burgundian centralization and mercantile interests—dominated John IV’s court, creating resentment among the cities and aristocracy, who had been more autonomous under his father’s rule.
  • This political friction extended to his marriage, as Jacqueline, a supporter of the rival Hook faction, was increasingly estranged from her husband’s governance.

II. Jacqueline’s Departure and the Regency of Philip of Saint-Pol

  • In 1420, Jacqueline left John IV, signaling a complete breakdown of their marriage and political alliance.
  • The States of Brabant, seeing an opportunity to curb John IV’s power, sided with Jacqueline.
  • They appointed John IV’s brother, Philip of Saint-Pol, as regent, effectively stripping John IV of control over Brabant.

III. The Brussels Guild Uprising and John IV’s Weakening Position

  • John IV attempted to resist the States of Brabant’s decision, but his authority was undermined by an uprising of the Brussels guilds.
  • The guilds, unhappy with his governance, prevented any military action, forcing him to accept the regency of his brother, Philip.
  • This left John IV politically weakened, with his rule severely curtailed in Brabant.

IV. Consequences and the Growing Influence of Burgundy

  • The crisis in Brabant further destabilized John IV’s rule, weakening his ability to assert authority in Holland and Zeeland.
  • Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, saw an opportunity to intervene, gradually expanding Burgundian influence in Brabant and Holland.
  • This episode marked the beginning of Jacqueline’s larger struggle to reclaim her inheritance, leading to her eventual alliance with England in 1421.

The marital and political crisis of 1420 in Brabant exposed John IV’s weaknesses, leading to his loss of power to his brother, Philip of Saint-Pol, while further paving the way for Burgundian dominance in the Low Countries.

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West Europe (1420 - 1420)
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Atlantic West Europe (1420 - 1420)

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