The throne of Jülich-Cleves-Berg is claimed by both Wolfgang William, Count Palatine of Neuburg, and Elector John Sigismund of Brandenburg, at the death of Duke John William on March 25, 1609, with no legitimate successors.

Both King Henry IV of France and representatives of the Dutch Republic are suspicious of the possibility that Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II of Habsburg will seize the throne of Jülich-Cleves-Berg.

Emperor Rudolph does contemplate annexing more territories to extend Habsburg possessions in the Low Countries.

Troops from the Holy Roman Empire ultimately occupy the fortress at Jülich.

Emperor Rudolf eventually retracts his claim to the throne of Jülich and for a brief time supports the House of Wettin (Duke of Saxony) and their claim to Jülich-Cleves-Berg.

However, the claim made by the House of Wettin is ultimately withdrawn.

The conflict gains momentum when Duke Wolfgang William and Elector John Sigismund establish their respective claims to the throne.

King Henry IV of France suggests that the lands be divided between both Duke William and Elector Sigismund.

The Count of Hesse recommends that both individuals rule Jülich-Cleves-Berg jointly.

Both claimants agree to rule together and they also promise to maintain religious tolerance enshrined in the Dortmund Recess developed on June 10, 1609.

The fortress at Jülich, although still occupied by Emperor Rudolph's forces, is eventually besieged on July 28, 1610, by Dutch, Brandenburg and Palatine forces.

The siege of Jülich ends on September 2, 1610, when the fortress surrenders and Imperial troops withdraw.

The conduct of the Protestant Union in the Jülich dispute and the warlike operations of the Union army in Alsace seems to make a battle between the Catholic League and Union inevitable.

Historically, the Jülich-Cleves War is recognized as a precursor to the Thirty Years' War.

The cities of Cleves, Mark, Jülich, Berg, and Ravensburg, after the month-long War of the Jülich Succession, had rejected the Dortmund Recess since the accord had been developed without the consent of all five cities.

Overall, the five cities prefer to be represented by one prince rather than two.

The Dortmund Recess is ultimately replaced by the Treaty of Xanten, signed on November 14, 1614, and ending the Julich-Cleves War, today recognized as a precursor to the Thirty Years' War.

Palatinate-Neuburg takes the duchies of ...

...Jülich and ...

...Cleves and ...

...the County of Mark.