Bolesław at first chose to continue his father's policy of cooperation with the Holy Roman Empire but when Emperor Otto III died in 1002, Bolesław's relationship with his successor Henry II turned out to be much more difficult, and it resulted in a series of wars (1002–1005, 1007–1013, 1015–1018).
Bolesław otsustas esialgu jätkata oma isa koostööpoliitikat Saksa-Rooma riigiga, kuid kui keiser Otto III aastal 1002 suri, osutusid Bolesławi suhted tema järglase Heinrich II-ga palju raskemaks ja sellele järgnes rida sõdu (1002–1005, 1007–1013, 1015–1018).