The unification of Poland by Władysław the Elbow-high was a turning point in Polish history. After nearly 200 years of feudal fragmentation, this prince managed to unite the fragmented Polish lands into one kingdom. The unification process culminated in the coronation of Władysław the Elbow-high as King of Poland on January 20, 1320, in Wawel Cathedral.

The Unification of Poland by Władysław the Elbow-high was a crucial moment in our country's history. This medieval ruler, known for his determination and political skills, undertook the difficult task of merging the fragmented Polish lands into one strong state.

The unification process lasted many years and was not without obstacles. The Elbow-high had to face numerous opponents, both internal and external. His efforts ultimately led to his coronation as King of Poland in 1320, which is considered the symbolic moment of the country's unification.

Before the reign of Władysław the Elbow-high, Poland was in a state of feudal fragmentation. The country was divided into numerous duchies, which weakened its position in the international arena and made effective governance difficult.

The feudal fragmentation began in 1138 after the death of Bolesław the Wrymouth. The ruler's testament divided Poland among his sons, creating a system of seniorate. This division was meant to prevent power struggles but led to the fragmentation of the state into 4-5 main provinces. Regional dukes often fought among themselves, weakening state structures. The fragmentation lasted almost 200 years, causing political, economic, and cultural division.

Before Władysław the Elbow-high, there were several attempts to unify Poland:

1. Henry Probus: Duke of Wrocław, who in 1288 took control of Kraków, strived to unify Polish lands.
2. Przemysł II: In 1295, he was crowned King of Poland but was murdered the following year.
3. Wenceslaus II: Czech ruler who was crowned King of Poland in 1300, controlling a significant part of the country.

These attempts did not bring lasting unification. Only the actions of Władysław the Elbow-high led to the successful merger of Polish lands into one state.

Władysław the Elbow-high, born around 1260, traveled a long and bumpy road to gaining power over a unified Poland. His life and political career were marked by numerous challenges and adversities, which ultimately shaped him into an effective ruler.

Władysław the Elbow-high came from the Piast dynasty of Kuyavia. He was the son of Kazimierz I of Kuyavia and Euphrosyne of Opole. He got his nickname "the Elbow-high" due to his short stature. He grew up during the difficult political period of Poland's feudal fragmentation. As a young duke, the Elbow-high inherited the small duchy of Brześć Kujawski in 1275. His early years of reign were characterized by building alliances and gathering political experience.

The Elbow-high's path to the Cracow throne was full of obstacles and rivalry. In 1288, he made his first attempt to capture Cracow but was defeated by Henry IV Probus. After Henry's death in 1290, the Elbow-high fought for Cracow again, this time against Przemysł II of Greater Poland. In 1296, after Przemysł II's assassination, the Elbow-high briefly took control of Greater Poland. However, his rule was interrupted by the Czech king Wenceslaus II, who crowned himself King of Poland in 1300. The Elbow-high had to flee the country and spent several years in exile. Only in 1304, after Wenceslaus II's death, did the Elbow-high return to Poland and begin systematically reclaiming lost territories.

The process of unifying Polish lands by Władysław the Elbow-high was lengthy and complex. The ruler systematically regained successive territories, strengthening his position and striving to create a strong, unified state.

Łokietek began recovering Polish lands starting with Lesser Poland in 1304. He captured Wiślica, and then Kraków, gaining support from nobles and clergy. In 1314, he subdued Greater Poland, defeating opposition and strengthening his authority in the region. The recovery of these key provinces formed the foundation for Poland's future unification.

Władysław Łokietek's coronation took place on January 20, 1320, in Wawel Cathedral. This ceremony was the culmination of his unification efforts and a symbolic act of establishing the Kingdom of Poland. The coronation legitimized Łokietek's authority over the unified lands and strengthened Poland's position in international affairs. This event is considered the official end of the feudal fragmentation period and the beginning of a new era in Polish history.

During the unification of Poland, Władysław Łokietek encountered numerous challenges and obstacles. This process required immense determination, diplomatic skills, and military prowess from him. The two main problems he had to face were the conflict with the Teutonic Order and internal opposition.

The Teutonic Order posed a serious threat to Łokietek's unification plans. The Knights controlled Pomerania, a strategic region providing access to the Baltic Sea. In 1308, they seized Gdańsk, massacring its inhabitants. Łokietek tried to recover these territories but without success. The Order strengthened its position by obtaining confirmation of rights to Pomerania from Emperor Henry VII in 1311. The conflict with the Teutonic Knights continued throughout Łokietek's reign, culminating in the Battle of Płowce in 1331.

Internal opposition significantly hindered Łokietek's process of unifying the country. The main centers of resistance were:

1. Greater Poland: In 1314, a rebellion of Greater Polish nobles broke out under the leadership of Maciek Borkowic.
2. Lesser Poland: In 1311, Vogt Albert organized a rebellion of Kraków burghers against Łokietek.
3. Mazovia: The Mazovian dukes long maintained independence from central authority.
4. Silesia: Silesian dukes, mostly vassals of the Bohemian king, did not recognize Łokietek's sovereignty.

Łokietek had to suppress rebellions, negotiate with opponents, and build alliances to overcome internal resistance. He used both military and diplomatic means, gradually strengthening his position in the country.

The unification of Poland by Władysław Łokietek had enormous significance for the country's history. This process influenced the formation of Polish statehood and determined its position in the international arena for centuries to come.

The unification of Poland by Łokietek significantly influenced the country's domestic and foreign policy. In the internal sphere, the centralization of power enabled more effective state management and law enforcement. The establishment of uniform administration and judicial system contributed to internal stability. In foreign policy, unified Poland gained a stronger negotiating position. Łokietek formed an alliance with Hungary, which strengthened Poland's position in the region. Unification also enabled more effective border defense, particularly in the context of the conflict with the Teutonic Order.

The legacy of Poland's unification by Łokietek had a lasting impact on future generations. The reconstruction of territorial unity created the foundation for the development of a strong Polish state. Łokietek's coronation in 1320 established the tradition of royal power continuity. The unification contributed to the development of national consciousness and a sense of community among Poles. Łokietek's actions became an inspiration for future rulers striving to strengthen Poland's position. His foreign policy, especially regarding relations with the Teutonic Order, influenced the formation of Polish diplomacy in subsequent centuries.

• Władysław Łokietek unified Poland after almost 200 years of feudal fragmentation, which was a pivotal moment in the country's history.
• Łokietek's coronation as King of Poland in 1320 is considered a symbolic act of Polish state unification.
• The unification process encountered numerous obstacles, including conflict with the Teutonic Order and internal opposition in various regions of Poland.
• Unification enabled the centralization of power, improved administration, and strengthened Poland's position in the international arena.
• Łokietek's actions created the foundations for the development of a strong Polish state and influenced the formation of Polish national identity.

The unification of Poland by Władysław Łokietek represents a key moment in the country's history. His coronation in 1320 symbolized the end of feudal fragmentation and the emergence of a strong Polish Kingdom.

Łokietek overcame numerous obstacles on the path to unification, including internal opposition and external threats. His determination and political skills enabled him to gradually recover Polish territories and build a centralized state.

This historic achievement had far-reaching consequences, shaping Poland's future for centuries to come. The unified kingdom gained a stronger international position and created foundations for the development of Polish statehood.