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How did Philip the Bold expand Burgundian power through his marriage to Margaret of Flanders?

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Map of France highlighting the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region in white at the center-east of the country, with major cities such as Dijon, Nevers, Auxerre, and Macon labeled. Surrounding countries and bodies of water, including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, are also shown. An inset map in the upper left corner shows the location of Burgundy within France. — Burgundy Burgundy (Bourgogne), historical region of France.

The marriage of Philip II (the Bold) to Margaret, the heiress of the count of Flanders, in 1369 served as the catalyst for Burgundian expansion into the Low Countries. This union initiated a period of "Burgundian infiltration" that was furthered by subsequent marriages, wars, and inheritances.1

Following the death of his father-in-law in 1384, Philip the Bold gained possession of several key territories, including the counties of Flanders, Artois, Rethel, Nevers, and the free county of Burgundy (Franche-Comté). By acquiring these lands, Philip significantly extended his property and secured a powerful foothold in the Low Countries. This strategic acquisition laid the foundation for the eventual political unification of the region under the dukes of Burgundy, who sought to forge a single, independent empire rather than remain mere participants in French politics.12