Henry the Fowler vs John II of Avesnes

Henry the Fowler was elected King of East Francia by the Saxon and Frankish nobles at Fritzlar on May 6, 919. He was the first Saxon king, marking the transition from Carolingian to Ottonian rule. His election was contested by other dukes but he prevailed.

Henry the Fowler signed the Treaty of Bonn with Charles the Simple of West Francia, recognizing each other's royal titles and establishing peaceful relations. This treaty ended Carolingian claims over East Francia and solidified Henry's legitimacy as an independent king.

Henry the Fowler negotiated a nine-year truce with the Magyars, agreeing to pay tribute in exchange for a halt to their raids. He used this period to fortify towns, reorganize the army, and train cavalry. This strategic pause was crucial for his later military reforms.

Henry the Fowler's forces defeated a Slavic army at the Battle of Lenzen, securing the eastern frontier of East Francia. This victory allowed Henry to consolidate control over the Elbe region and establish the March of Brandenburg, a key step in German eastward expansion.

After the truce with the Magyars expired, Henry the Fowler led a German army to victory at the Battle of Riade (near Merseburg). The defeat of the Magyar cavalry ended their raids into East Francia for a generation and established Henry's reputation as a defender of Christendom.

Henry the Fowler died on July 2, 936, at Memleben. He was succeeded by his son, Otto I, who would become Holy Roman Emperor. Henry's reign laid the foundations for the Ottonian dynasty and the medieval German kingdom.

John II of Avesnes inherited the County of Hainaut from his mother Margaret II of Flanders, and later the County of Holland from his father John I of Avesnes. This united the two counties under the Avesnes dynasty.

John II of Avesnes was a candidate for the election of the King of the Romans (Holy Roman Emperor). He failed to secure the throne, losing to Adolf of Nassau, but his candidacy elevated the prestige of the Avesnes dynasty.

John II of Avesnes fought against the Dampierre faction in the War of the Flemish Succession. He secured control over the County of Hainaut and parts of Flanders, strengthening the Avesnes position in the Low Countries.