Louis I of Hungary, son of Charles Robert of Anjou and Elizabeth of Poland, was crowned King of Poland on November 17, 1370, at Wawel Cathedral. This event initiated the personal union between Poland and Hungary and brought significant changes to Poland's political system, including the famous Privilege of Koszyce in 1374.

Louis of Hungary, also known as Louis I the Great, is a figure who played a significant role in the history of Poland and Hungary. His ascension to the Polish throne is a fascinating chapter in the history of both countries, which continues to spark interest among historians and history enthusiasts.

Louis of Hungary's assumption of power in Poland was the result of complex dynastic and political relations. This event took place in the turbulent period of the 14th century when Europe was experiencing significant geopolitical changes. The exact date of this event and the circumstances that led to it are crucial for understanding the political situation in the region at that time.

The 14th century was a period of significant transformation for the Kingdom of Poland. Poland, after a period of feudal fragmentation, entered a phase of unification and stabilization under the rule of the Piast dynasty. Casimir III the Great, the last Piast on the Polish throne, pursued a policy of strengthening the state and modernizing the country.

Casimir the Great reformed the administration, introduced a new legal system, and supported economic development. His foreign policy focused on securing borders and expanding Poland's influence. In 1335, he concluded an agreement with John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, regulating territorial disputes.

Poland's economy in the 14th century was primarily based on agriculture. Cities were developing, and trade was gaining importance. Krakow became an important trading center on the route connecting Western Europe with Rus' and the Black Sea.

The social structure in 14th century Poland included:

• Nobility: owning land and privileges
• Clergy: an influential group controlling education and religious life
• Burghers: a growing group engaged in trade and crafts
• Peasants: constituting the majority of the population and working the land

Poland's geopolitical situation was complicated. The country had to deal with:

• Threat from the Teutonic Order in the north
• Brandenburg's expansion in the west
• Rivalry with Bohemia over influence in Silesia
• Conflict with Lithuania in the east

Casimir the Great, having no male heir, made an agreement in 1339 with Charles Robert of Anjou. This agreement guaranteed the succession of the Polish throne to Louis of Hungary, Charles Robert's son, in case Casimir died without an heir.

Louis of Hungary, also known as Louis I the Great, was the son of Charles Robert of Anjou and Elizabeth of Poland. His path to the Polish throne was the result of complex family connections and political arrangements that shaped the fate of Central Europe in the 14th century.

Louis of Hungary had strong family ties to Poland through his mother, Elizabeth of Poland. She was the daughter of Władysław the Elbow-high, King of Poland, and sister of Casimir the Great. These close family relations gave Louis legitimacy to claim the Polish throne. Elizabeth played a crucial role in shaping dynastic politics, actively promoting her son's interests in the international arena. The Hungarian prince grew up in an atmosphere of two cultures, which influenced his later approach to ruling both kingdoms.

The succession agreements between Casimir the Great and Louis of Hungary were the result of the Polish king's lack of a male heir. In 1339, an agreement was made in Visegrád that guaranteed Louis the right to the Polish crown in case of Casimir's childless death. This arrangement was confirmed and expanded in 1355 in Buda. Casimir the Great committed not to designate another successor, and the Polish nobility had to accept Louis as the future ruler. In return, Louis promised to respect the rights and privileges of the Polish nobility and defend the territorial integrity of the kingdom. These succession agreements laid the foundation for Louis of Hungary's later ascension to the throne while shaping future relations between the monarch and Polish aristocracy.

The coronation of Louis of Hungary as King of Poland was a crucial moment in the history of both countries. This event fulfilled the earlier succession agreements and strengthened the position of the Angevin dynasty in Central Europe.

Louis of Hungary was crowned King of Poland on November 17, 1370, in Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. The ceremony took place just two months after Casimir the Great's death, demonstrating the efficient implementation of the succession agreement. Kraków, as the capital of the Kingdom of Poland, was the traditional site for Polish monarchs' coronations, and Wawel Cathedral symbolized the continuity of royal power.

The coronation of Louis of Hungary proceeded according to the traditional ceremonial protocol. Archbishop of Gniezno, Jarosław Bogoria of Skotniki, performed the act of coronation by placing the crown of Bolesław the Brave on Louis's head. The ceremony was attended by the most important church and secular dignitaries of the Kingdom of Poland, as well as delegations from Hungary and other European countries. The ceremony included the taking of the royal oath, in which Louis pledged to respect the rights and privileges of the Polish nobility and defend the territorial integrity of the kingdom. After the coronation, a ceremonial feast was held, followed by the king's tour around the country to receive homage from his subjects and familiarize himself with the situation in his newly acquired kingdom.

Louis of Hungary ascended to the Polish throne in 1370, inaugurating a period of personal union between Poland and Hungary. His reign was characterized by both challenges in domestic politics and complex relations with the Polish nobility.

Louis of Hungary's internal politics in Poland focused on maintaining stability and continuing the reforms initiated by Casimir the Great. The king introduced several administrative changes aimed at improving the country's governance. He established the office of viceroy who represented him during his absence in Poland. Louis continued the process of law codification, developing the judicial system. He introduced new fiscal solutions, including tax reductions for the nobility. He supported urban development by granting cities trade and craft privileges. The king took care of border security by strengthening the country's defensive system.

Louis of Hungary's relations with the Polish nobility were complex and filled with tension. The king, striving to secure succession for his daughters, had to negotiate with the Polish elite. In 1374, he issued the Privilege of Koszyce, which significantly strengthened the nobility's position. This document guaranteed tax exemptions for the nobility except for two grosze per łan, limited military service obligations outside the country, and ensured that local offices would be filled only by local nobility. The Privilege of Koszyce became the foundation for the later development of noble democracy in Poland. Louis tried to balance the interests of various noble groups, which led to conflicts and rivalry for influence at court. The king had to deal with opposition from some magnates who were dissatisfied with his long absences from the country and his preference for Hungarian advisors.

The reign of Louis of Hungary in Poland had a significant impact on the development of Polish statehood and political system. His rule brought about several changes that left a lasting mark on Polish history and social structure.

The personal union between Poland and Hungary, initiated in 1370, opened a new chapter in the history of both countries. The combination of two crowns under Louis of Hungary's rule created a powerful political bloc in Central Europe. The union strengthened Poland's international position, increasing its importance in the region. Economic cooperation between the countries stimulated trade, particularly along the Hungarian route. At the same time, the personal union brought challenges related to managing two separate states, requiring Louis to skillfully balance the interests of both nations.

The Privilege of Koszyce, issued by Louis of Hungary in 1374, marked a turning point in the development of Poland's socio-political system. This document:

1. Guaranteed the nobility exemption from taxes, except for two groschen per łan of land.
2. Limited the obligation of military service outside the country's borders.
3. Obligated the king to appoint only local nobility to territorial offices.
4. Provided compensation for damages incurred during military campaigns.

The Privilege of Koszyce significantly strengthened the position of the nobility, laying the foundations for the later system of noble democracy. At the same time, it limited royal power, which had far-reaching consequences for the development of Polish parliamentarism. This document initiated a process that led to the formation of the unique political system of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth on a European scale.

• Louis of Hungary became King of Poland on November 17, 1370, after the death of Casimir the Great.
• His reign initiated a personal union between Poland and Hungary, creating a powerful political bloc in Central Europe.
• The Privilege of Koszyce from 1374 significantly strengthened the position of Polish nobility, laying foundations for the future system of noble democracy.
• Louis's reign was characterized by the continuation of Casimir the Great's reforms and the introduction of administrative changes in Poland.
• The period of Louis of Hungary's reign had a significant impact on the formation of Polish statehood and political system.

Louis of Hungary became King of Poland on November 17, 1370, after the death of Casimir the Great. His ascension to the throne was the result of previous succession arrangements and strong family ties with the Piast dynasty.

Louis's reign initiated a personal union between Poland and Hungary. His rule brought significant changes to the country's political system, including the Privilege of Koszyce, which strengthened the position of the nobility.

This period had a significant impact on shaping Polish statehood and Poland's international position. The effects of decisions made during Louis the Hungarian's reign left a lasting mark on the further development of Poland's socio-political system.