Margaret II, Countess of Hainaut facts for kids
Margaret II of Avesnes (1311 – 23 June 1356) was an important ruler in the 1300s. She was the Countess of Hainaut and Countess of Holland (as Margaret I) from 1345 to 1356. She also became the Holy Roman Empress and Queen of Germany when she married Emperor Louis IV.
Quick facts for kids Margaret II |
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Seal of Empress Margaret
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| Countess of Hainaut, Holland, and Zeeland | |
| Reign | 1345–1356 |
| Predecessor | William the Bold |
| Successor | William the Mad |
| Queen consort of Germany | |
| Tenure | 1324–1347 |
| Holy Roman Empress | |
| Tenure | 1328–1347 |
| Coronation | 17 January 1328 |
| Born | 1311 |
| Died | 23 June 1356 (aged 44–45) Le Quesnoy |
| Burial | Valenciennes |
| Spouse | Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor |
| Issue more... |
Margaret, Duchess of Slavonia Anna, Duchess of Lower Bavaria Louis VI, Duke of Upper Bavaria Elisabeth, Countess of Württemberg William I, Duke of Lower Bavaria Agnes of Bavaria Albert I, Duke of Lower Bavaria Otto V, Duke of Upper Bavaria Beatrice, Queen of Sweden |
| House | House of Avesnes |
| Father | William I, Count of Hainaut |
| Mother | Joan of Valois |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Life Story
Margaret was born in 1311. Her father was William I, Count of Hainaut, the Count of Hainaut. Her mother, Joan of Valois, was from the French royal family. Margaret grew up in Hainaut and often visited France.
In 1324, Margaret married Louis of Bavaria in Cologne. This made her the Queen of Germany. A few years later, in 1328, she was crowned Holy Roman Empress in Rome, alongside her husband.
Becoming a Ruler
In 1345, Margaret's brother, William II, died in battle. He was the Count of Hainaut and Holland. Her husband, Emperor Louis IV, decided that Margaret should inherit these lands. These lands included Hainaut, Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland. The Emperor wanted to keep these lands connected to his empire.
Margaret traveled to Hainaut and was accepted as its new ruler. She then visited Holland and Zeeland. It was a bit tricky for her to become ruler in Holland and Zeeland. Some people wondered if a woman could legally rule there. In Hainaut, her gender was not an issue, but her sisters also had claims to the land. To make sure she was accepted, Margaret gave special economic rights to the cities and people in Holland and Zeeland. Her sisters, including Philippa of Hainault, who was the Queen of England, gave up their claims.
Margaret ruled these lands directly for about seven months. Then, her husband called her back to Germany. She appointed her son, William, to rule in her place.
Changes in Power
When Emperor Louis IV died in 1347, his six sons took over his lands. Margaret then gave up her rule to her son, William. In return, she was supposed to receive an allowance (money).
In 1349, Louis IV's sons divided their lands. Margaret's sons, William and Albert, received Holland and Hainaut.
The Hook and Cod Wars
Soon, a disagreement started between Margaret and her son William. William refused to pay her the allowance they had agreed upon. Many nobles in Holland supported Margaret and asked her to return.
In 1350, Margaret returned to Hainaut and took back her position as ruler. This led to a civil war known as the Hook and Cod wars. William's supporters formed the "Cod League." Margaret's supporters formed the "Hook League."
The war between mother and son was very controversial. Many people questioned Margaret's right to rule Holland, as it was usually a male-only title. However, her right to rule Hainaut was not questioned.
Margaret's forces lost some battles. Her brother-in-law, Edward III of England, tried to help her. He won a sea battle in 1351. However, William's forces soon defeated Margaret's allies at Vlaardingen. This loss greatly hurt Margaret's cause.
In 1354, Margaret had to make a deal with her son. William was recognized as the Count of Holland and Zeeland. Margaret was allowed to remain the ruling Countess of Hainaut for the rest of her life.
Margaret ruled Hainaut for two more years. She died in 1356 at Le Quesnoy Castle from an illness. After her death, William became the ruler of all the Holland-Hainaut lands. She was buried in the Minderbroeders Abbey in Valenciennes.
Children
Margaret married Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor in 1324. They had several children:
- Margaret of Bavaria, Duchess of Slavonia (1325–1374)
- Anna of Bavaria, Duchess of Lower Bavaria (c. 1326 – 1361)
- Louis VI the Roman (1328–1365), Duke of Upper Bavaria
- Elisabeth of Bavaria, Countess of Württemberg (1329 – 1402)
- William of Bavaria (1330–1389), Duke of Lower Bavaria and Count of Hainaut and Holland.
- Agnes of Bavaria (1335 – 1352), who became a nun.
- Albert of Bavaria (1336–1404), Duke of Lower Bavaria and Count of Hainaut and Holland.
- Otto of Bavaria (1340–1379), Duke of Upper Bavaria.
- Beatrice of Bavaria, Queen of Sweden (1344 – 1359)
- Louis (1347 – 1348)
See also
In Spanish: Margarita II de Henao para niños
