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How did Poland and Lithuania defeat the Teutonic Order?

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Historical map showing the unification of Germany by Prussia in the late 19th century. The map highlights in green the Kingdom of Prussia as of 1866, and in yellow the additional territories that formed the German Empire by 1871-1918, encompassing most of north-central Europe. Neighboring countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Austria-Hungary, and Switzerland are labeled, with major regions and states within the empire clearly marked. — Prussia The unification of Germany by Prussia, which brought most of north-central Europe into one kingdom.

The defeat of the Teutonic Order by Poland and Lithuania was a gradual process defined by a decisive military victory and subsequent political decline.

The Battle of Grunwald (1410)

The turning point occurred on July 15, 1410, at the Battle of Grunwald. After the Teutonic Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen declared war in 1409, King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland and his cousin, Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania, united their forces to confront the Knights. Despite the Knights' initial success in breaking the Lithuanian cavalry, the surviving Lithuanian troops returned to the field and attacked the Knights from the rear. The Grand Master was killed, and the Teutonic army was largely destroyed or captured. This victory broke the Order's military dominance in the Baltic region.12

Long-term Decline and Final Defeat

Following Grunwald, the Order's authority and financial stability waned. The internal opposition of Prussian nobles and towns, combined with continued Polish military pressure, further weakened them. During the Thirteen Years’ War (1454–1466), local Prussian rebels sought aid from Poland. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Toruń, which forced the Order to cede significant territory to Poland and accept the Polish king as their suzerain.34