John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, met his end due to the machinations of his political enemies led by the Dauphin Charles, the future Charles VII of France. The assassination occurred in Montereau, a town situated on the banks of the Seine River, which had become a hotspot for power struggles during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. John had initially been involved in negotiations to end hostilities, but tensions ran high between the Burgundians, who were aligned with the English interests, and the Armagnacs, who supported the French royal family.

The event is significant in the context of the power dynamics of the time. Burgundy had emerged as a formidable power due to its wealth and strategic position, and John was eager to solidify his influence. However, he could not broker peace with Charles while tensions remained unresolved and loyalties were tested. The circumstances surrounding his assassination were marked by a false sense of security, with John believing he could trust the Dauphin's men.

In a gruesome turn of events, during a meeting intended for negotiations, John's retinue was ambushed, and he was murdered. The assassination intensified the conflict between the two factions, setting off a series of violent reprisals and consolidating Charles's position as a key player in the ongoing civil struggles. It also paved the way for Charles VII's eventual ascension to the throne, altering the course of French history during the Hundred Years' War and beyond.