Eric I of Brunswick vs Rupert of the Palatinate

Eric I inherited the Duchy of Brunswick-L

Eric I participated in the Hildesheim Diocesan Feud, a conflict between the Bishop of Hildesheim and the nobility of the region. He fought on the side of the bishop, but the war ended with a compromise that reduced the bishop's power.

Eric I served in the imperial army of Charles V, participating in campaigns against the French in Italy and the Ottoman Empire. His service strengthened his ties to the Habsburgs and brought him imperial favor.

Eric I initially resisted the Reformation but eventually allowed Lutheran teachings in his territories under pressure from the Protestant estates. This move was partial and inconsistent, leading to religious tensions in his duchy.

The four Rhenish electors deposed Wenceslaus IV and elected Rupert of the Palatinate as King of the Romans. Rupert's election was contested by Wenceslaus and his supporters, leading to a divided empire. Rupert was never crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope.

Rupert led an expedition to Italy to secure his coronation as Holy Roman Emperor and to support Pope Boniface IX against his rivals. The campaign was a failure; Rupert's army was defeated by the forces of Gian Galeazzo Visconti of Milan near Brescia. Rupert retreated to Germany without achieving his goals.

Rupert became embroiled in a conflict with Archbishop Johann II of Mainz over the election of a new bishop in the diocese of Paderborn. The dispute escalated into a military confrontation, with Rupert besieging the archbishop's castle. The conflict was eventually resolved through mediation, but it weakened Rupert's authority.