Holstein (Chaos)

Holstein was a northern German duchy under the Schauenburger dynasty, which also owned fiefs as far as southern. They could even influence the politics of nearby : 1326, king was kicked out after he wanted to tax the nobles and the church; now  effectively ruled the country. 1331, he married countess Margarethe of, Zeeland and Hennegau (in Wallonia) - preparing the eventual union with the Netherlands.

After coming of age, Danish king tried to subdue his vassals since 1360, especially mighty Holstein, but he was defeated and lost most real power. Schleswig and Jutland were now completely under Holstein's control.

The strength of the Schauenburger grew further - thanks to the and pelts trade with, they became even richer, and in 1381, they won the election for Roman king, with the duke of Holstein becoming emperor. 1406, he was murdered though by a Danish nobleman, who hated the all-powerful Germans. But now his son, planned revenge and toppled king, setting himself in the latter's place. Now the history of Schleswig and Holstein was connected to that of Denmark.

In 1430, Emperor Gerhard II died. His lands were divided: His older son became king of the  and Roman king, Heinrich became king.

During the, Holstein acquired Lübeck (not the city itself; due to the complicated structure of , many cities were free cities, even though there were states around them named after them).