How did Duke Leopold’s death in 1326 affect Louis IV’s shared rule with Frederick?

Following the death of Duke Leopold in February 1326, the power of Frederick—who had previously been accepted as a co-ruler by Louis IV—was restricted to Austria.1

Prior to this, Louis had struggled to overcome Leopold’s opposition to the shared rule, eventually agreeing to abdicate in favor of Frederick on the condition of papal approval. However, the Curia’s refusal to support Frederick’s sole rule demonstrated to him that he was being manipulated, leading him to become a loyal co-ruler with Louis. Leopold’s death effectively removed a major source of friction, allowing Louis to solidify his position and turn his attention toward his imperial ambitions in Italy.23