Edward IV of England vs Louis IV the Bavarian

Edward IV led the Yorkist army to a decisive victory over the Lancastrian forces at Towton in Yorkshire. This battle, the largest and bloodiest of the Wars of the Roses, secured Edward's claim to the throne and led to his coronation as king.

Edward IV was crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey, formally establishing the Yorkist dynasty. His coronation followed the deposition of Henry VI and marked the beginning of a period of Yorkist rule.

Edward IV secretly married Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow, without consulting his council. This marriage elevated the Woodville family and alienated key allies like the Earl of Warwick, contributing to later political instability.

Edward IV defeated the Earl of Warwick at Barnet, killing Warwick and reclaiming the throne after a brief exile. This victory restored Yorkist control and ended the Lancastrian resurgence led by Warwick and Queen Margaret.

Edward IV signed the Treaty of Picquigny with Louis XI of France, ending a brief invasion of France. The treaty secured a pension for Edward and a truce, but was seen as a diplomatic retreat from military ambitions.

Louis, Duke of Bavaria, was elected King of Germany by a faction of electors, while Frederick the Fair of Habsburg was elected by another faction. This led to a double election and civil war.

Louis IV decisively defeated his rival Frederick the Fair at the Battle of M

Pope John XXII excommunicated Louis IV for exercising imperial authority without papal approval. Louis responded by declaring the pope a heretic and invading Italy, leading to a prolonged conflict between empire and papacy.

Louis IV issued the Declaration of Rhense, asserting that the German king's authority derived from election by the prince-electors, not papal approval. This strengthened the independence of the German monarchy.