Frans Ackerman facts for kids
Frans Ackerman (born around 1330 – died 1387) was a very famous leader and politician from Flanders in the 1300s. He was known for his skills in both politics and leading armies.
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Frans Ackerman: A Flemish Leader
Ackerman was born in the city of Ghent. He became a key figure during a big uprising known as the Ghent Revolt of 1379. This revolt was against the ruler of Flanders, Louis II, Count of Flanders.
Joining the Ghent Revolt
Frans Ackerman joined forces with Philip van Artevelde, another important leader of the revolt. Ackerman was put in charge of a special group called the Reisers. This was a mobile army of 3,000 men. Their main job was to keep the supply routes open for Ghent. This meant making sure food and other important goods could reach the city from places like Liège, Brussels, and Leuven.
Victory at Beverhoutsveld
Ackerman showed great bravery and skill in the Battle of Beverhoutsveld on May 3, 1382. This battle was a big win for Ghent. After their victory, they took control of the city of Bruges. This meant that almost all of Flanders was now under Ghent's control. Ackerman also helped save Ghent from starvation. He led troops to find food and supplies in the areas around the city.
Seeking Help from England
The King of France started to support the Count of Flanders. Because of this, Ackerman traveled to England. He went there to ask King Richard II for help. While Ackerman was away, the rebels faced a major defeat. This happened at the Battle of Roosebeke on November 27, 1382. Sadly, Philip van Artevelde was killed in this battle. The Count of Flanders then got back control of almost all of Flanders, except for Ghent. After this, Ackerman became the main leader of the rebels in Ghent.
More Battles and Successes
In 1383, the English launched a military campaign called Despenser's Crusade. They came to Flanders, saying they were helping to support the Pope. Ackerman took the town of Aardenburg from French soldiers. He took valuable items from the town and brought them back to Ghent. He also tried to take Bruges, but was not successful that time.
Working with his English allies, Ackerman won another battle. This was the Battle of Dunkirk on May 25, 1383. Later, he used a clever trick to capture the town of Oudenaarde.
The End of the War
The Count of Flanders died in 1384. His son-in-law, Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, took over. Duke Philip continued the war against Ghent. Ackerman made a surprise attack and took the town of Damme. However, the French army, led by Charles VI of France, quickly surrounded him there. The English help that Ackerman expected did not arrive. So, his forces fought their way out of Damme and returned to Ghent.
The war finally ended on December 18, 1385. This was with the signing of the Peace of Tournai agreement. This agreement was made between Ghent and Philip the Bold. Ackerman was an important person in the Ghent group that agreed to the peace terms. After the war, he chose not to work for the Duke.
A Sad End
On July 22, 1387, Frans Ackerman was on his way to Saint Peter's Abbey, Ghent. He was attacked and killed by the son of the Lord of Herzele. This person blamed Ackerman for his father's death.
