John II of Cleves was a nobleman from the House of La Marck, born in 1450. He became the Duke of Cleves in 1521 and was known for his efforts to strengthen his duchy through strategic marriages and alliances. His reign was marked by political maneuvering during a time of significant change in Europe. John II was also notable for his involvement in the Reformation, as he sought to navigate the religious tensions of the period. He died in 1521, leaving behind a legacy of both political ambition and the challenges of governing during a tumultuous era in history.