Edessa has been lost by 1152 and Antioch and Tripoli have no leaders; only Jerusalem has a true king, but even here a dispute is brewing.
Baldwin has been of age to rule by himself for seven years, and he begins to assert himself in political affairs.
Though he has not previously expressed an interest in the administration of the country, he now demands more authority.
He and his mother have become increasingly estranged since 1150, and Baldwin blames the constable Manasses for interfering with his legal succession.
Baldwin in early 1152 demands a second coronation from Patriarch Fulcher, separate from his mother.
The patriarch refuses and as a kind of self-coronation Baldwin parades through the city streets with laurel wreaths on his head.
Baldwin and Melisende agree to put the matter before the Haute Cour, or royal council.
The Haute Cour returns a decision that will divide the kingdom into two administrative districts.
Baldwin will retain Galilee in the north, including the cities of Acre and Tyre, while Melisende is to hold the richer Judea and Samaria, including Nablus and Jerusalem itself.
Supporting Melisende in the south are Manasses, and Baldwin's younger brother Amalric, who holds the County of Jaffa within Melisende's jurisdiction.
Neither Baldwin nor Melisende are pleased with the decision, as Baldwin wants to rule the entire kingdom and realizes it will divide the country's resources, but in order to prevent a civil war Melisende agrees to the compromise.
Within weeks of the division, Baldwin launches an invasion of the south.
Manasses is defeated at the castle of Mirabel and exiled, and Nablus falls quickly as well.
To prevent further violence, Jerusalem opens its gates to Baldwin.
Melisende and Amalric seek refuge in the Tower of David.
Throughout the siege the church negotiates with Baldwin.
The peace that is settled allows for Melisende to hold Nablus for life, with a solemn oath by Baldwin not to disturb her peace.
Baldwin names his supporter Humphrey II of Toron as the new constable.
