Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV Grants Holland to Margaret II of Hainaut and the Battle of Warns (1345)

In 1345, Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV ("Louis the Bavarian") expanded his influence in the Low Countries by granting Holland and the surrounding territories to his wife, Margaret II, Countess of Hainaut. This move, however, angered many of the imperial princes, as it further centralized power within the emperor’s family and altered the regional balance of power.

Imperial Control Over Holland and Political Tensions

• Margaret II of Hainaut (also known as Margaret of Bavaria) was already ruling Hainaut, Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland as the widow of Count William I of Hainaut.
• When Louis IV formally granted her these territories, it strengthened Bavaria’s influence in the region, but also:
  • Alienated rival claimants and imperial princes, who saw the move as a dynastic power grab.
  • Deepened tensions with France and Flanders, as Holland played a key role in maritime trade and economic affairs in the North Sea.