Wilhelm IV Duke of Bavaria from 1508 to 1550 Date of Birth: 13.11.1493 Country: Germany

1. Childhood and Reign
2. Sibling Rivalry and Succession
3. Religious and Political Stance
4. Family and Legacy
5. Theodor von Wittelsbach (1526-1534)
6. Wilhelm von Wittelsbach (1529-1530)

Childhood and Reign

Wilhelm IV, Duke of Bavaria, was born on November 13, 1493, to Duke Albrecht IV and Kunigunde of Austria. In 1508, upon his father's death, Wilhelm became Duke of Bavaria.

Sibling Rivalry and Succession

Wilhelm's younger brother, Ludwig X, initially intended to pursue a religious career. However, he later contested his father's order of succession, which stipulated that Ludwig should become a priest. With the mediation of Emperor Maximilian I, a compromise was reached in 1514. Ludwig received control of a quarter of Bavaria, including the cities of Landshut and Straubing. Despite their initial disagreement, the brothers maintained a harmonious relationship throughout Wilhelm's reign.

Religious and Political Stance

Initially, Wilhelm IV embraced the ideas of the Reformation. However, as his popularity grew, he rejected them and became a staunch supporter of the Catholic Church. In 1521, Wilhelm and Ludwig X pledged to enforce the Edict of Worms, prohibiting the publication and distribution of Martin Luther's writings.

In 1524, Wilhelm formed an alliance with Pope Clement VII, making him the political leader of the Catholic Reformation in Germany. Despite his opposition to the Habsburgs, he supported Emperor Charles V in his fight against the Schmalkaldic League in 1546.

Family and Legacy

Wilhelm IV married Maria Jacoba of Baden, with whom he had three sons and a daughter:

Theodor von Wittelsbach (1526-1534)

Albert V von Wittelsbach (1528-1579), Duke of Bavaria, married Anna of Austria

Wilhelm von Wittelsbach (1529-1530)

Mechtild von Wittelsbach (1532-1565), married Margrave Philibert of Baden

Wilhelm IV died on March 7, 1550. He is remembered as a capable ruler who navigated the complexities of religious and political conflicts during his time.