The Second Peace of Thorn was a breakthrough peace treaty concluded on October 19, 1466, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. As a result, Poland regained Pomerelia (Gdańsk Pomerania) and other territories, while the Teutonic state became a fief of the Polish Crown. The treaty ended the Thirteen Years' War and significantly changed the balance of power in Central Europe.
The Second Peace of Thorn is one of the most important peace treaties in medieval Polish history. It was concluded on October 19, 1466, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order, ending the Thirteen Years' War. This breakthrough event changed the balance of power in Central Europe and significantly influenced the future of both states.
The document was signed at the Artus Court in Thorn in the presence of King Casimir IV Jagiellon and Grand Master Ludwig von Erlichshausen of the Teutonic Order. The treaty brought significant territorial gains to Poland, incorporating Royal Prussia, Warmia, and other Prussian lands into the Crown. The eastern part of the Order's state became a Polish fief, which ultimately ended the Teutonic Order's dominance in the region.
Background of the Conflict Between Poland and the Teutonic Order
#The conflict between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order lasted for several centuries, reaching its culmination in the 15th century. The tense relations between both sides resulted from the Order's expansionist policy and Poland's growing territorial ambitions.
Causes of the Thirteen Years' War
#The direct causes of the Thirteen Years' War included:
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Formation of the Prussian Confederation in 1440 by Prussian cities against Teutonic rule
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Imposition of high taxes by the Teutonic Order on Prussian cities
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Grand Master's refusal to recognize Polish rights to Royal Prussia
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Prussian cities' transition under the protection of Polish King Casimir IV in 1454
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Weakening of the Order's position after the defeat at Grunwald in 1410
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Rising importance of Hanseatic cities in the Baltic region
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Growing power of the Kingdom of Poland under the Jagiellon dynasty
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Financial crisis of the Teutonic state related to war costs
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Prussian estates' dissatisfaction with the Order's fiscal policy
| Political Aspect | Teutonic Order | Kingdom of Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Military strength | Weakened | Growing |
| Social support | Decreasing | Increasing |
| Financial situation | Critical | Stable |
| Allies | Limited | Numerous |
Course of Peace Negotiations
#The peace negotiations in Toruń began on September 23, 1466, with the participation of the Polish delegation led by King Casimir IV Jagiellon and representatives of the Teutonic Order with Grand Master Ludwig von Erlichshausen. The talks took place in an atmosphere of diplomatic tension under the pressure of both sides' exhaustion from the conflict.
Role of Mediators
#A key role in the mediation process was played by papal legate Rudolf von Rüdesheim, Bishop of Lavant. He was accompanied by representatives of Hanseatic cities: Lübeck, Hamburg, and Lundenburg. The mediators focused on developing compromise in three areas:
- Establishing new territorial boundaries
- Determining the legal status of the Order in relation to Poland
- Resolving the issue of war reparations
Main Demands of Both Sides
#The Polish side presented the following demands:
- Incorporation of Pomerelia and Chełmno Land
- Transformation of the Order's state into a fief of the Polish Crown
- Retention of the right to appoint Warmian bishops
- Financial compensation for war damages
The Teutonic Order insisted on:
- Maintaining political independence
- Retaining control over Baltic ports
- Minimizing territorial losses
- Avoiding feudal status under Poland
| Negotiation Aspect | Polish Position | Order's Position |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Feudal supremacy | Full independence |
| Territories | Incorporation of Royal Prussia | Maintaining integrity |
| Trade | Port control | Trade autonomy |
| Bishoprics | Right of nomination | Maintaining influence |
Signing of the Second Peace of Thorn in 1466
#The signing ceremony of the Second Peace of Thorn took place in an atmosphere of great triumph for Polish diplomacy. The treaty document was approved by both sides after intensive negotiations lasting nearly a month.
Place and Date of Conclusion
#The treaty signing took place on October 19, 1466, at the Artus Court in Thorn. The Artus Court, a representative Gothic building located at the Old Town Market Square, was chosen for its central location and prestigious character. The ceremony began at 3:00 PM and lasted several hours, during which the full content of the document was read in Latin.
Key Signatories
#List of main treaty signatories:
| Party | Representatives |
|---|---|
| Kingdom of Poland | Casimir IV Jagiellon, Jan Długosz, Jan Dąbrowski |
| Teutonic Order | Grand Master Ludwig von Erlichshausen |
| Mediators | Papal Legate Rudolf von Rüdesheim, Hanseatic representatives |
The document was sealed with:
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The royal majestic seal of Casimir Jagiellon
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The great seal of the Teutonic Order
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56 seals of secular and ecclesiastical dignitaries
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Seals of Prussian city representatives
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Polish bishops from major dioceses
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Representatives of Polish nobility
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Delegates from Prussian cities
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Diplomats from neighboring states
Treaty Provisions
#The Second Peace of Thorn introduced fundamental changes to the territorial and political arrangement of Central Europe. The treaty contained detailed provisions regarding the division of lands and new relations between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order.
Territorial Changes
#The treaty granted Poland the following territories:
- Pomerelia with Danzig
- Chełmno Land with Thorn
- Michałów Land
- Warmia with Elbing
- Marienburg with surrounding lands
- Vistula Delta
| Region | Status after 1466 |
|---|---|
| Gdańsk Pomerania | Direct Polish rule |
| Royal Prussia | Incorporated into the Crown |
| State of the Teutonic Order | Polish fief |
| Warmia | Bishopric under Polish sovereignty |
- The Grand Master of the Order was obligated to pay homage to the Polish king
- The Order lost the right to conduct independent foreign policy
- The Teutonic Prussia received the status of Polish Crown's fief
- The Grand Master became a member of the royal council
- The Order committed to providing military assistance to Poland
- Royal Prussia received administrative autonomy with its own Prussian Council
- Free trade was established between Polish and Order territories
Consequences of the Second Peace of Thorn
#The Second Peace of Thorn brought fundamental changes to the geopolitical arrangement of Central Europe. The treaty transformed the existing relations between Poland and the Teutonic Order, introducing a new territorial and political order.
Consequences For Poland
#- Recovery of strategic territories: Gdańsk Pomerania, Chełmno Land, Warmia, and Malbork
- Gaining direct access to the Baltic Sea through the port of Gdańsk
- Strengthening economic position through control over trade routes
- Increased revenue from customs and taxes in newly incorporated territories
- Creation of Royal Prussia as an integral part of the Polish Crown
- Extension of political influence in the region through feudal sovereignty over the Teutonic State
Consequences For the Teutonic Order
#- Loss of 2/3 of the Order's territory to Poland
- Transformation of the remaining state into a fief of the Polish Crown
- Obligation of each new Grand Master to pay homage to the Polish king
- Loss of independence in conducting foreign policy
- Limitation in recruiting new Order members
- Financial crisis caused by the loss of income from Baltic ports
- Decline in international prestige and weakening of military position
Summary
#- The Second Peace of Thorn was concluded on October 19, 1466, at the Artus Court in Toruń between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order
- The treaty ended the Thirteen Years' War and brought significant territorial gains to Poland, including Pomerelia, Warmia, and other Prussian lands
- Under the treaty, the eastern part of the Order's state (Teutonic Prussia) became a Polish fief, and the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order had to pay homage to the Polish king
- The document was signed in the presence of King Casimir IV Jagiellon and Grand Master Ludwig von Erlichshausen, with the papal legate playing a key role in mediation
- The Second Peace of Thorn led to fundamental changes in the geopolitical structure of Central Europe, significantly strengthening Poland's position and weakening the Teutonic Order
Summary
#The Second Peace of Thorn of 1466 was a pivotal moment in the history of Polish-Teutonic relations. It brought significant territorial and political benefits to Poland while simultaneously weakening the position of the Teutonic Order in the region.
This event permanently changed the balance of power in Central Europe. Poland gained direct access to the Baltic Sea and control over important trade routes. The Order, meanwhile, was forced to acknowledge Polish suzerainty, losing its previous independence.
The provisions of the peace treaty influenced the shaping of international relations in this part of Europe for centuries to come, marking a new chapter in the history of both states.