1. Polish Lithuanian Teutonic War

2. Origins
In 1230, the Teutonic Knights moved into Kulmerland (upon request)
Conquered and converted the Prussians
Then began working on pagan Lithuania

3. Polish-Lithuanian Alliance
In 1385, Lithuanians converted and created a personal union with Poland
This removed the religious rationale for the Order's attacks
The knights contested the conversion
Territorial and trade disputes between PLU and the Knights intensified

4. Start of War
1409 Lithuanians support an uprising in Teutonic-held lands
Knights threatened to invade
Poland announced support
Teutonic Grand Master declared war
hoped to defeat them separately
The Knights invade Poland with some success
A one year truce was signed

5. Both sides prepared for war The knights began “diplomatic measures”
Not so peaceful truce
Both sides prepared for war
The knights began “diplomatic measures”
Both sides became entrenched

6. By December 1409, the PLU agreed on a strategy
Unite in a massive force and march Malbork
The Knights did not expect this
The Poles continued to confuse the Knights by launching raids

7. Battle of Grunwald

8. Forces The numbers vary greatly
Commonly accepted as 39,000 PLU troops and 27,000 Knights
Teutonic advantages:
discipline, military training and equipment
particularly heavy cavalry
Bombards that shot lead and stone projectiles.
Various nation-states sent help
Primarily ethnic

9. Battle Preparations PLU Polish Heavy Cavalry - Left
Lithuanian Light Cavalry - Right
Infantry Wedges 20 men deep – Center
Knights
Heavy Cavalry-Opposite the Lithuanians

10. Provocation The Knights wanted to provoke an attack
They were baking in the hot sun
Field Artillery did not work due to rain
Sent swords to the commanders as insults

11. Battle Begins Lithuanians attacked the Knights left flank
Hour later in full retreat
Knights became disorganized in pursuit
Debate over if this was feigned or real
Made up of elite cavalry

12. Polish-Teutonic Fight
Some of the knights heavy cavalry joined the rest of the knights in the assault
The Poles sent in his reserves to steady the line
Shortly after both sides were completely commited

13. Battle Ends The Lithuanians reorganize and rejoin
Knights begin to get outnumbered
The Grand Master fell
Mass Retreat
Their camp betrayed them

14. Grunwald Monument, Krakow

15. Aftermath Total of up to 18,000 dead Most Teutonic leaders killed
Several 1,000 captives

16. Siege of Malbork After their great victory, PLU forces moved slowly
Gave time to regroup
Knights burn the surrounding areas
The siege was not intense
Knights get reinforces and PLU not ready (get dysentery)

17. Peace and aftermath Poland and Lithuania gained minimal territory
Knights forces to pay huge indemnity
Would eventually lead to the 13 years war