JülichClevesBerg

Jülich-Cleves-Berg was a historical territorial entity in the Holy Roman Empire. It was formed through a dynastic union of the Duchies of Jülich and Berg, and the County of Mark, with the Duchy of Cleves. This union began in 1392. The ruling dynasty, the House of Berg, eventually died out in 1521, leading to a succession crisis. After a period of dispute, the territory passed to the Dukes of Bavaria-Jülich, who then held the united duchies.

The combined territory occupied a significant area in the western Holy Roman Empire, bordering the electorate of Cologne and the bishopric of Münster. Its strategic location on the Rhine River made it an important economic and political player. The capital was often considered to be Düsseldorf, which grew significantly under the Dukes of Jülich-Cleves-Berg. The administration and legal systems varied across the constituent parts, reflecting their distinct histories.

The succession of the Jülich-Cleves-Berg inheritance in the early 17th century was a complex affair, involving numerous European powers due to its strategic importance and the wealth of the duchies. This dispute eventually led to the territory being divided between the Electorate of Brandenburg and the Palatinate-Neuburg. The legacy of Jülich-Cleves-Berg can be seen in the modern German states of North Rhine-Westphalia, where its historical territories form a core part.