Teutonic Order State in Prussia

Timeline

1. 1230–1309Prussia and Livonia · PrussiaWith papal and Holy Roman Empire authorization, the Teutonic Knights conquered and Christianized the native Prussians, establishing a hierarchical military state ruled by a grand master, knights and conventual brothers, with territories divided into castle bailiwicks and an economy based on agricultural tribute, trade, and mercenary service.
2. 1410–1430Marienburg · PrussiaAfter the Battle of Tannenberg the Order's power was greatly weakened; the 1411 Treaty of Toruń ceded territory and required indemnity payments. Poland-Lithuania thereafter applied sustained pressure, the Order relied on diplomacy and mercenaries to hold its borders, and internal noble knights grew increasingly resentful of the grand master's centralization.
3. 1431–1440Prussia and the Bohemian border · PrussiaFrom 1431–1433 Grand Master Paul von Rusdorf repeatedly negotiated with King Władysław II of Poland over borders and the Neumark question. After 1434 the Order sent troops at Sigismund of Bohemia's request to suppress the Hussites, incurring heavy costs without stable returns. After the 1437 alliance at Horodło, Poland's claims of suzerainty over the Order strengthened, leaving the Order's strategic position increasingly passive.