Lithuanian Grand Duchy succession crisis

Timeline

1. 1377Vilnius · LithuaniaAlgirdas, who had long expanded Lithuanian power into western Kievan Rus', died, leaving a multi-ethnic, multi-faith grand duchy. His sons and brother Kęstutis fell into serious disagreement over succession rights and foreign strategy.
2. 1377–1380Lithuanian heartland · LithuaniaJogaila took power in Vilnius while Kęstutis controlled western lands such as Samogitia and leaned toward rapprochement with the Teutonic Knights. The two repeatedly made and broke peace, and Lithuania could not simultaneously sustain its southeastern front against Moscow and its northwestern front against the Teutonic Knights.
3. 1378–1380Southeastern Baltic coast · Eastern EuropeThe succession crisis weakened Lithuanian pressure toward Moscow and gave the Teutonic Knights room to expand in the Samogitia dispute. Later, Jogaila turned to seeking a marriage alliance with the Polish royal house to counter the Teutonic threat and consolidate his position as grand duke.