Polish-Lithuanian Alliance Triumphs at Grunwald

July 15th, 1410

July 15th, 1410

Polish-Lithuanian Alliance Triumphs at Grunwald
How Long Ago?

614 years, 8 months ago

Location

Grunwald, Poland

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War

People
  • Vytautas the Great
  • Władysław II Jagiełło
  • Ulrich von Jungingen
Links & References
Tags

Polish-Lithuanian Alliance Triumphs at Grunwald

The Battle of Grunwald marked a significant victory for the allied forces of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania against the army of the Teutonic Order. Occurring during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War, the clash took place in 1410 near the village of Grunwald in modern-day Poland. The battle was a result of long-standing tensions and territorial disputes between the Polish-Lithuanian coalition and the Teutonic Knights. The successful strategy employed by the allied forces, led primarily by King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland and Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania, not only showcased their military prowess but also marked a turning point in the struggle for dominance in Eastern Europe.

Fought between Polish-Lithuanian forces and Teutonic Knights.

One of the largest battles in medieval Europe.

Led to diminished power of the Teutonic Order.

Significant for establishing Polish-Lithuanian unity.

What Happened?

The Battle of Grunwald, fought on July 15, 1410, was a crucial confrontation during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The conflict originated from the territorial ambitions of the Teutonic Knights, a medieval military order that sought to expand its influence over the lands inhabited by Slavic peoples, particularly in the territories of Poland and Lithuania. The battle was significant as it represented a united front between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, two powers which had historically been at odds but found common cause against a mutual enemy.On the battlefield near Grunwald, the Polish-Lithuanian alliance fielded a large army that included diverse troops, from heavily armored knights to lightly armed infantry. They faced off against a formidable force of the Teutonic Order led by Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen. Utilizing clever tactics and the element of surprise, the allied forces managed to encircle and overwhelm the Teutonic Knights, resulting in significant casualties for the Order. The aftermath of the battle saw the capture of many knights and the eventual decline in Teutonic power in the region.Grunwald is celebrated not only as a military victory but also as a pivotal moment in the formation of national identity for Poland and Lithuania. This battle solidified the power dynamics in Eastern Europe and set the stage for future conflicts and alliances, reshaping the political landscape significantly.

Why Does it Matter?

The Battle of Grunwald is noteworthy for its role in shifting the balance of power in Eastern Europe, marking the decline of the Teutonic Order's influence. The victory fostered greater unity between Poland and Lithuania, eventually leading to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a major power in the region for centuries. It is also celebrated in Polish and Lithuanian cultural memory as a symbol of national pride and resistance against foreign domination.

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