Valdemar IV of Denmark
Early Life
Valdemar IV Atterdag or Waldemar (1320 – 24 October 1375) was King of Denmark from 1340 to 1375. He was the youngest son of King Christopher II and spent most of his childhood and youth in exile after his father was dethroned and replaced by an interregnum government led by the Danish magnates.
Return to Denmark
In 1340, with the help of his maternal uncle, Count Gerhard III of Holstein-Rendsburg, Valdemar was elected king following the assassination of the interregnum ruler, Count Johann I. He was only 20 years old at the time of his election.
Reign
Valdemar's reign was marked by his efforts to reestablish royal authority and rebuild Denmark, which had been severely weakened by the civil wars and economic decline that characterized the interregnum period. He pursued a policy of reclaiming pawned territories, which led to conflicts with the Hanseatic League and the Counts of Holstein.
Conflict with the Hanseatic League
In the 1360s, Valdemar came into conflict with the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of northern European cities, over trade rights and territories in the Baltic Sea region. The conflict escalated into the Danish-Hanseatic War (1361–1370), which ended with the Treaty of Stralsund in 1370. The treaty was a significant setback for Valdemar, as it forced him to recognize the League's commercial privileges and territorial gains.
Relations with the Church
Valdemar also had a complex relationship with the Church. On one hand, he sought its support to consolidate his rule and used it as a tool to control the nobility. On the other hand, he was in constant conflict with the Church over property rights and the appointment of bishops.
Later Years and Death
In his later years, Valdemar focused on securing the succession for his daughter, Margaret. He died in 1375 and was succeeded by his grandson, Olaf II, with Margaret as regent.
Legacy
Valdemar IV is remembered as a strong and determined ruler who managed to restore royal authority and rebuild Denmark after a period of internal turmoil and economic decline. His efforts laid the groundwork for the future prosperity and expansion of Denmark under the rule of his daughter, Margaret I.