Duke Francis II was the last Duke of Brittany, ruling from 1450 until his death in 1488. He was born in 1433 and became Duke after the death of his father, Duke John IV. Francis II is known for his efforts to maintain the independence of Brittany during a time of increasing pressure from the French crown. His reign was marked by conflicts with King Louis XI of France, who sought to annex Brittany. Francis II's attempts to secure alliances and strengthen his duchy ultimately led to his daughter, Anne of Brittany, marrying two French kings, which helped to unite Brittany with France after his death.