Following the disastrous rule of Stephen (1135-1154), who could neither inspire loyalty to control his friends and family, nor successfully subdue his opposition, King Henry II (1154-1189) ascended to the throne. Seen as the founder of English Common Law, in his waning years late in the 12th century, disputes in and between families, and territorial ambitions often threatened that rule of law. Wealthy landholders, realizing that peace greatly increased their prosperity, pursued strategic alliances through betrothals and marriage, to maintain that peace.