March 25, 1609 – November 12, 1614

The Jülich-Cleves succession crisis begins and draws in Europe's powers

Duke John William of Jülich-Cleves dies childless on 25 March 1609, and Brandenburg and Palatinate-Neuburg claim his duchies. Union, League, France and Spain take sides. The Treaty of Xanten divides them on 12 November 1614.