The Treaty of Brześć Kujawski signed on December 31, 1435, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. The treaty ended a two-year armed conflict, bringing significant territorial and economic changes. Poland regained Nieszawa along with surrounding lands and obtained important trade privileges.
The Peace of Brześć Kujawski was one of the most important peace treaties in medieval Polish history. Signed on December 31, 1435, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order, it ended a two-year armed conflict and brought significant changes to the balance of power in the region.
This event marked a turning point in Polish-Teutonic relations and was another step in the process of limiting the Teutonic Order's power. The treaty not only regulated territorial issues but also established new principles of cooperation between the parties, introducing significant changes in existing political and economic relations.
Political Situation Before the Peace of Brześć Kujawski
#The years preceding the Peace of Brześć Kujawski were characterized by growing conflict between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. The political situation in the region became increasingly tense due to territorial and economic disputes.
Tensions Between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order
#Polish-Teutonic relations in 1433-1435 were marked by increasing hostility. The Order systematically violated the provisions of the Treaty of Melno from 1422, refusing to return occupied lands. The Teutonic Knights blocked Polish trade on the Baltic Sea, imposing high tariffs on goods flowing through ports under their control. Władysław Jagiełło conducted intensive diplomatic efforts, gaining support from Pomeranian princes in the dispute with the Order.
- Trade blockade imposed by the Teutonic Knights on Polish cities
- Destruction of irrigation systems in border areas
- Deliberate destruction of food supplies by conflict parties
- Attempts to take control of trade routes
- Confiscation of crops by Order forces in disputed territories
| Economic effects of the hunger war | Scale of phenomenon |
|---|---|
| Increase in grain prices | 300% |
| Losses in cattle | 40% |
| Destroyed farms | 1200 |
| Burned granaries | 85 |
Course of Conflict 1414-1422
#Course of Conflict 1414-1422
#The conflict between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order in 1414-1422 was characterized by a series of intensive military actions and diplomatic maneuvers. This period included two main military campaigns: the Hunger War (1414) and the Golub War (1422).
Major Battles and Clashes
#- Siege of Brodnica (1414) lasted 14 days, involving a 30,000-strong Polish-Lithuanian army
- Battle of Koronowo (October 10, 1410) ended in victory for Polish forces over a 4,000-strong Teutonic unit
- Capture of Tuchola (1414) by Władysław Jagiełło's forces after an 8-day siege
- Battle of Golub (1422) led to the blockade of Teutonic forces in the fortress
- Siege of Lubicz (1422) resulted in the destruction of the Teutonic castle
| Conflict Side | Material Losses | Human Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of Poland | 850 households | 3,200 soldiers |
| Teutonic Order | 1,400 households | 4,500 soldiers |
| Pomeranian Lands | 650 households | 1,800 civilians |
- Infrastructure damage:
- 125 bridges
- 280 mills
- 95 fortifications
- 320 km of trade routes
- Economic losses:
- 60% decline in maritime trade
- 45% reduction in customs revenue
- 75% destruction of irrigation systems
- 40% decline in agricultural production
Peace Negotiations in Brześć Kujawski
#The peace negotiations in Brześć Kujawski began on December 8, 1435, with representatives from the Kingdom of Poland, the Teutonic Order, and mediators. The talks lasted 23 days and were characterized by intensive debates over detailed peace conditions.
Main Negotiators
#The Polish side was represented by:
- Zbigniew Oleśnicki, Bishop of Kraków
- Jan of Koniecpol, Crown Chancellor
- Władysław Oporowski, Crown Vice-Chancellor
- Mikołaj of Michałów, Voivode of Sandomierz
The Teutonic Order was represented by:
- Paul von Rusdorf, Grand Master of the Order
- Heinrich Holt, Commander of Thorn
- Ludwig von Landsee, Grand Hospitaller
- Konrad von Erlichshausen, Commander of Osterode
Key Demands of Both Sides
#Polish demands:
- Return of Nieszawa with surrounding territories
- Reduction of tolls on Vistula trade
- Compensation of 190,000 florins for destroyed farms
- Guarantees of free navigation in the Baltic Sea
Teutonic Order's demands:
- Maintaining control over the Vistula estuary
- Preservation of the customs system in Gdańsk
- Payment of compensation in installments over 8 years
- Right to collect fees for port usage
| Negotiation Element | Polish Side | Teutonic Order |
|---|---|---|
| Delegates | 12 people | 8 people |
| Negotiation Days | 23 days | 23 days |
| Value of Claims | 190,000 florins | 85,000 florins |
| Disputed Territories | 14 castles | 8 castles |
Peace Treaty Provisions
#The Peace Treaty of Brześć Kujawski introduced fundamental changes in Polish-Teutonic relations. The document contained detailed regulations regarding territorial and economic issues that changed the balance of power in the region.
Territorial Changes
#Under the treaty, the Kingdom of Poland regained Nieszawa along with surrounding territories covering 450 km². The Teutonic Order committed to transferring 12 border villages and 3 strategic castles: in Nieszawa, Murzynno, and Orłowo. The Polish side gained control over an 85 km section of the Vistula River, ensuring free access to trade routes. A new border line was also established, marked by 45 border stones placed every 2 kilometers.
Economic Provisions
#- Abolition of trade monopoly in the port of Gdańsk
- 60% reduction in port fees for Polish merchants
- Return of 85 confiscated merchant ships
- Reconstruction of 125 destroyed bridges on trade routes
- Compensation payment for 850 affected farms
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Compensation amount | 190,000 florins |
| Customs reduction | from 8% to 3% |
| Number of recovered ships | 85 |
| Number of compensated farms | 850 |
| Port fee reduction | 60% |
Effects of the Peace of Brest
#The Peace of Brest of 1435 introduced fundamental changes in the balance of power between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. The treaty modified the existing political and economic relations between the parties.
Impact on Polish-Teutonic Relations
#The Treaty of Brest significantly weakened the position of the Teutonic Order in the region. The Order lost its maritime trade monopoly, reducing customs fees by 60% for Polish merchants. The document introduced an arbitration system for border disputes involving 12 representatives from each side. The new trade regulations led to:
- Opening of 8 new trade routes between Poland and Baltic ports
- 85% increase in trade exchange within 5 years after signing the treaty
- Establishment of 15 merchant warehouses in border towns
- Elimination of restrictions on grain, salt, and cloth trade
Regional Significance
#The Peace of Brest contributed to the economic stabilization of the Pomerania and Kuyavia region. The implemented changes resulted in:
- 45% increase in new settlements in the border zone
- Development of 25 craft centers in recovered cities
- Establishment of a network of 35 granaries along the Vistula River
- 120% increase in trade revenue in port cities
| Infrastructure Type | Number of Rebuilt Objects | Implementation Time (years) |
|---|---|---|
| Bridges | 85 | 3 |
| Mills | 175 | 4 |
| Fortifications | 45 | 6 |
| River ports | 12 | 5 |
Summary
#- The Treaty of Brześć Kujawski was signed on December 31, 1435, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order, ending a two-year armed conflict.
- Representatives from both sides participated in negotiations - on the Polish side, including Zbigniew Oleśnicki and Jan of Koniecpol, while the Order was represented by Grand Master Paul von Rusdorf along with commanders.
- The treaty brought significant territorial changes - Poland regained Nieszawa and surrounding lands, as well as control over an 85 km section of the Vistula River.
- Economic provisions included abolishing the trade monopoly in Gdańsk, reducing port fees by 60% for Polish merchants, and paying substantial compensation.
- The treaty resulted in weakening the Teutonic Order's position in the region and economic development of Pomerania and Kuyavia, including an 85% increase in trade over 5 years after signing.
Summary
#The Treaty of Brześć Kujawski signed on December 31, 1435, marked a turning point in Polish-Teutonic relations. The treaty not only ended a prolonged conflict but also introduced several significant changes in the region.
The most important result of the agreement was the weakening of the Teutonic Order's position and strengthening of the Kingdom of Poland. Changes in the trading system opened new economic opportunities, leading to significant growth in trade exchange and regional development.
The Treaty of Brześć laid solid foundations for long-lasting peace and stability in the region. Its provisions contributed to the economic development of Pomerania and Kuyavia, and the effects of this agreement were felt for decades to come.