Duke of Burgundy (1467–77). He was the greatest of the dukes of Burgundy, and almost succeeded in creating a kingdom independent of France. He tried to persuade the Holy Roman Emperor to grant him the title of king in 1473. He supported the League of the Public Weal against the French king, Louis XI, and, after 1467, concentrated with successful results on expansion into the Rhineland and Alsace. After 1475, war with the Swiss culminated in his own death in battle. His realm was absorbed by the French and by Maximilian I.