Background

Upon his father"s death in 1428, Gerhard became Count of Ravensberg.

Career

Gerhard was the second duke of the combined Duchy of Jülich-Berg but the 7th Gerhard in the House of Jülich. Gerhard continued his uncle"s fight for the dukedom of Guelders, supported by King Albert II of Germany. He was increasingly unable to govern his territories after 1461.

His spouse Sophie of Saxe-Lauenburg then wielded regency for him.

Achievements

• In 1444 he won the Battle of Linnich but was unable to prevail in his fight for Guelders and ultimately sold his claim to Burgundy and acquired Blankenheim-Löwenberg and Heinsberg from Guelders.