John II, Duke of Cleves was a nobleman who ruled from 1521 until his death in 1539. He was born in 1490 and belonged to the House of Cleves, a prominent family in the region of Cleves in present-day Germany. John II is known for his efforts to strengthen his duchy and for his involvement in the political affairs of the Holy Roman Empire. During his reign, John II maintained a cautious approach to alliances, particularly with the Habsburgs and the Protestant Reformation. He was a supporter of the Lutheran movement but also sought to balance the interests of both Catholics and Protestants in his territory. His leadership helped to stabilize the region during a time of significant religious and political change.