On March 4, 1386, the coronation of Władysław Jagiełło as King of Poland took place at Wawel Cathedral. This event initiated the Jagiellon dynasty and led to the creation of the Polish-Lithuanian Union, one of the largest states in medieval Europe.
Władysław Jagiełło's ascension to the Polish throne in 1386 is one of the most important moments in Polish history. This event not only initiated the Jagiellonian dynasty but also led to the creation of a powerful Polish-Lithuanian union that shaped the fate of Central and Eastern Europe for centuries to come.
Jagiełło's path to the crown led through marriage to the young Queen of Poland, Jadwiga of Anjou. This political alliance transformed into one of the most significant dynastic unions of medieval Europe. With Jagiełło's coronation on March 4, 1386, in Wawel Cathedral, a new chapter began in Poland's history, bringing the country a period of territorial power and economic development.
Political Situation of Poland in the Late 14th Century
#Poland in the 1380s found itself in a complex political situation following the death of Louis of Hungary in 1382. The country faced succession problems and external threats.
Interregnum After the Death of Louis of Hungary
#The interregnum period following Louis of Hungary's death was characterized by the destabilization of the Polish state. The nobles split into two factions:
- Lesser Poland nobles supporting Jadwiga of Anjou's candidacy
- Greater Poland nobles favoring Duke Siemowit IV of Masovia
The situation was further complicated by:
- Invasions by Silesian dukes into western territories
- Threat from the Teutonic Order
- Economic problems related to the lack of central authority
Role of Jadwiga of Anjou
#Jadwiga of Anjou played a crucial role in stabilizing Poland's political situation. Here are the most important facts:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1384 | Jadwiga's coronation as King of Poland |
| 1385 | Signing of the Union of Krewo |
| 1386 | Marriage to Władysław Jagiełło |
- Hereditary rights to the Polish throne
- Support from Lesser Poland nobles
- Recognition by Pope Urban VI
- Legitimization of power through coronation in Kraków
Jagiełło's Path to the Polish Crown
#Władysław Jagiełło traveled a long journey from Grand Duke of Lithuania to King of Poland. This process lasted from August 1385 to March 1386 and included a series of key diplomatic and religious events.
Union of Krewo
#On August 14, 1385, a breakthrough agreement between Poland and Lithuania was signed in Krewo. Jagiełło committed to:
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Accepting baptism in the Catholic rite
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Christianization of Lithuania
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Uniting Lithuanian lands with the Polish Crown
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Recovering lost Polish territories
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Paying 200,000 florins in compensation to Wilhelm Habsburg
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Jagiełło took the name Władysław in honor of the last Piast dynasty King of Poland
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The baptism was conducted by Archbishop Bodzanta of Gniezno
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The godparents were Dobiesław of Kurozwęki, Castellan of Kraków, and Mikołaj Wierzynek, a Kraków burgher
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Jagiełło's brothers were baptized with him: Wigunt received the name Alexander and Korygiełło - Casimir
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 14.08.1385 | Signing of the Union of Krewo |
| 15.02.1386 | Jagiełło's baptism |
| 18.02.1386 | Marriage to Jadwiga |
| 04.03.1386 | Coronation as King of Poland |
Coronation of Władysław Jagiełło
#The coronation of Władysław Jagiełło was the culminating moment in the process of legitimizing his power in Poland. The ceremony reflected a combination of Polish traditions with Lithuanian cultural elements.
Date and Location of the Ceremony
#The coronation took place on March 4, 1386, in Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. Archbishop Bodzanta of Gniezno performed the coronation in the presence of the most important state dignitaries from Poland and Lithuania. Wawel Cathedral was chosen due to its historical significance as the traditional coronation site of Polish rulers since the time of Władysław the Elbow-high.
Course of the Coronation Ceremonies
#The coronation ceremony consisted of the following elements:
- Anointment with holy oils by the Archbishop of Gniezno
- Bestowal of royal insignia: the Crown of Bolesław the Brave, the scepter, and the royal orb
- Presentation of the coronation sword Szczerbiec
- Taking the royal oath of allegiance to the Kingdom of Poland
- Solemn procession from the cathedral to the royal castle
The ceremony was attended by:
- Representatives of Polish nobility
- Delegates from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
- Envoys from European states
- Church dignitaries from across the country
After the coronation, a grand banquet was held in the chambers of Wawel Castle, where celebrations continued for three days. The new king distributed privileges and grants to the most important noble families.
The Significance of Jagiełło's Ascension to the Throne
#The ascension of Władysław Jagiełło to the throne in 1386 initiated fundamental changes in Central-Eastern Europe. His reign brought significant political, economic, and religious transformations to the region.
Formation of the Polish-Lithuanian Union
#The Polish-Lithuanian Union, established by the Union of Krewo in 1385, created the largest state in contemporary Europe. The merger of both countries ensured:
- Joint foreign policy against the Teutonic Order
- Increased commercial importance through new trade routes
- Integration of Polish and Lithuanian administrative systems
- Strengthened military position of both states
| Aspect | Before the Union | After the Union |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 240,000 km² | 800,000 km² |
| Population | 2 million | 7.5 million |
| Border length | 3,500 km | 8,900 km |
- Establishment of the Vilnius bishopric in 1387
- Construction of 7 first parish churches
- Bringing 400 priests from Poland
- Granting privileges to Lithuanian nobles who accepted baptism
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1386 | Jagiełło's baptism |
| 1387 | Establishment of bishopric in Vilnius |
| 1388 | Creation of first parish schools |
| 1389 | Formation of parish network |
First Years of Reign
#The beginning of Władysław Jagiełło's reign was characterized by intensive efforts to strengthen the Polish-Lithuanian state. The new ruler focused on implementing internal reforms and shaping a coherent foreign policy.
Internal Reforms
#Władysław Jagiełło introduced a series of administrative reforms between 1386-1390. He established a system for managing royal estates through general starosts in 1387. He instituted noble privileges:
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The Piotrków Privilege of 1388 guaranteeing tax relief
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The Czerwińsk Privilege of 1389 regulating judicial matters
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Reform of the monetary system introducing a unified coinage system
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Reorganization of the royal chancellery improving state administration
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Conclusion of a truce with the Teutonic Order in 1387
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Incorporation of Ruthenian Galicia into the Crown in 1387
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Signing of a peace treaty with Hungary in 1389
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Strengthening the alliance with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania through the Agreement of Ostrów in 1392
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1387 | Truce with Teutonic Knights | Stabilization of northern border |
| 1387 | Incorporation of Ruthenia | Expansion of state territory |
| 1389 | Peace with Hungary | Securing southern border |
| 1392 | Agreement of Ostrów | Strengthening Polish-Lithuanian union |
Summary
#- Władysław Jagiełło became King of Poland on March 4, 1386, after the coronation ceremony at Wawel Cathedral in Kraków.
- Jagiełło's path to the Polish crown led through marriage to Jadwiga of Anjou and signing the Union of Krewo (August 14, 1385), where he committed to Christianizing Lithuania.
- Before coronation, Jagiełło was baptized (February 15, 1386) and changed his name to Władysław, then married Jadwiga (February 18, 1386).
- Jagiełło's ascension to the throne led to the Polish-Lithuanian Union, creating the largest state in contemporary Europe with an area of approximately 800,000 km².
- The first years of Jagiełło's reign (1386-1390) were characterized by intensive internal reforms and diplomatic activities, including a truce with the Teutonic Knights and the incorporation of Halych Ruthenia.
Summary
#The coronation of Władysław Jagiełło as King of Poland in 1386 was a pivotal moment in the history of Central and Eastern Europe. This event not only initiated the Jagiellon dynasty but also created a powerful Polish-Lithuanian state that shaped the region's fate for centuries to come.
Through his marriage to Jadwiga of Anjou and acceptance of Christianity, Jagiełło initiated a series of fundamental political, religious, and economic changes. The state that emerged from his coronation became one of the most powerful in contemporary Europe, pursuing an ambitious vision of uniting two different cultures and traditions.
The Jagiellon era that began then brought Poland and Lithuania a period of unprecedented territorial, cultural, and economic development. These historic events laid the foundation for centuries of Polish-Lithuanian cooperation, whose effects are visible to this day.