Download The Teutonic Knights of 1226: The Fate of Europe

UCBMUN XXI
The Teutonic Knights of 1226:
The Fate of Europe
Head Chair: Ananya Sreekanth
Crisis Director: Jarry Xiao
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
T abl e of Con te n ts
I.
Introduction
4
A. Committee Overview
4
B. Chair Letter
5
C. Crisis Director Letter
6
D. Modified Rules
7
II. Historical Information
9
A. Formation of the Teutonic Order
9
B. Migration to Transylvania
10
C. Conquest of Prussia
10
D. Further Expansion
12
E. Decline
13
F. Timeline
14
III. Topic One: Combat
15
A. Topic Overview
15
B. Military Organization
15
C. Weapons and Strategies
17
D. Rivals
17
IV. Topic Two: Nation Building
18
A. Topic Overview
18
B. Annexation of Land
18
C. Economy
19
V. Topic Three: Internal Politics
20
A. Topic Overview
20
B. Membership
20
C. Hierarchies within the Teutonic Order
21
D. Traditional Election Process
22
VI. Topic Four: Foreign Policy
23
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Teutonic Knights
A. Topic Overview
23
B. Alliances and Treaties
23
C. Relationship with the Holy Roman Empire
24
VII. Conclusion
A. Closing Remarks
VIII. Works Cited
25
25
26
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Teutonic Knights
INTRODUCTION
from
newly
attained
land
while
also
Committee Overview
defeating enemies of the true Faith. The
Established in 1190 in the Levantine
Teutonic Order will convene to discuss
city-state of Acre, the Teutonic Order can
issues relating to combat, nation building
trace its beginnings to the Third Crusade,
over newly acquired lands, foreign policy,
where it began as an offshoot branch of the
and internal politics within the Knighthood to
Hospitallers of the Blessed Virgin. Its
bring Christianity to the pagans across
mandate was to build hospitals and protect
Northern Europe. The Teutonic Order will
European
face many challenges in the coming years –
Christians
on
pilgrimage
to
Jerusalem. Following the events of the
Siege of Acre, from 1189 to 1191, during
the Third Crusade–which saw a decisive
Crusader victory–the Order migrated to
Transylvania in 1211 at the behest of the
Hungarian Monarch. They were to guard the
Southern border of the Kingdom of Hungary
from the Cumans. However, the Teutonic
Order was expelled by force from Hungary
by
King
Andrew
II
shortly
after
this
relocation following their request to the
Pope for an independent, Christian state.
Following their expulsion from Hungary, the
Order was given the exclusive rights
Chełmno Land, located in present day
Poland by papal edict.
This committee begins on the heels
of this relocation to Chełmno Land, as the
Knights struggles to maintain order in a land
surrounded
by
pagans,
expand
their
fledgling state, and maintain legitimacy in
the eyes of the Church. Knights, priests and
sergeants alike must assemble to take
command in creating the theo-democracy
can you be trusted to take the helm?
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Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Teutonic Knights of 1226: The Fate of Europe committee at UCBMUN
XXI! My name is Ananya Sreekanth and I am honored to serve as this committee’s Head Chair.
Here’s a little about myself: I was born in Hong Kong and have lived in Singapore, India and
Saudi Arabia. I am a second year student at Cal and an intended Economics major. This is my
second year in MUN as well as my second year serving as a dais member (I vice-chaired
DISEC at last year’s UCBMUN conference). Outside of MUN I work at the Berkeley Rent
Stabilization Board, I watch copious amounts of Netflix, I enjoy reading the works of Jhumpa
Lahiri and Khaled Hosseini and I’m currently obsessing over the Hamilton soundtrack.
This committee is designed to address four core issues that the State of the Teutonic
Order faced including but not limited to, nation building and combat. While this is a historic
committee, delegates will find quite a few common themes in the topics debated seen in society
today. With that being said, delegates should expect a fast-paced yet flexible committee that
delves into the intricacies of 13th century European politics. The expectation is that delegates
understand how the knighthood operated as well as the scope of the State of the Teutonic
Order. Furthermore, it is expected that delegates know the major positions the Teutonic Order
held in European politics. I strongly suggest reading this background guide thoroughly in order
to plan which direction you’d like to take your character as well as how you’d like to alter the
history of Europe. Please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns
regarding the committee. I am very excited to be chairing and hope delegates are looking
forward to UCBMUN XXI!
--Ananya Sreekanth, Head Chair, The Teutonic Order of 1226 ([email protected])
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Teutonic Knights
Message From the CD
I hope all of you are ready for an action-packed weekend of pillaging pagan communities
and fighting in holy wars — all in the name of Catholicism of course. My name is Jarry Xiao, and
I am incredibly excited to be your crisis director for this committee. I am currently a junior double
majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Statistics at Berkeley. I joined
UCBMUN the second semester of my freshman year, and served as a Vice Chair for the Non
Alignment Movement and an ACD for Thatcher’s Cabinet in our past two conferences. In
addition to MUN and classes, I am also the Project Manager of Data Analytics for The Berkeley
Forum, which is a group that puts together talks, panels, and debates on campus. In my
position, I analyze our website traffic and event attendance data, write scripts to automate
tedious and redundant tasks, and design algorithms to optimize our organization’s reach and to
make predictions regarding future events. I am interested in anything from data science to
quantitative finance to game theory to political philosophy. On the rare occasion that I have free
time, I enjoy rock climbing, watching TV, going to concerts, and wasting time on the internet.
I expect everyone to bring their A-game this weekend because we have a fast-moving
and dynamic crisis planned for you. While we aim for a level of historical accuracy in this
committee, I want to make it clear that the fate of Europe is in your hands. Your committee will
have the ability to exert influence not only militarily, but religiously, economically, and politically
as well. Will Catholicism proliferate across the continent, or will barbarians and pagans stop you
in your mission—desecrating the once great Holy Roman Empire? Every action you take will
have an immediate consequence on how these events will unfold. But Teutonic Knights do not
succumb to the whims of false idols. I have faith that all of you are up for the task. Deus Vult!
- Jarry Xiao, Crisis Director, The Teutonic Order of 1226 ([email protected])
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Modified Rules
1. An election for a new Grand Master
can only take place if the previous
This committee will be conducted as a crisis
Grand Master dies or abdicates.
committee with changes to better fit the
2. Upon the departure of the previous
rules and procedures of UCBMUN XXI and
Grand Master, the Vice Master will
the nature of this 13th century historical
call on a capitulum (this will be
committee.
addressed
Personal
and
Committee
in
the
form
of
a
Directives will be presented to the crisis
procedural matter and will not be
team and committee body respectively,
voted on in committee) and will
however all Committee Directives should be
himself select an Electoral College
signed by a minimum of four sponsors. This
of five members consisting of two
will ensure that a variety of directives are
knights, two sergeants and one
discussed while also establishing a cap to
priest.
eliminate
inappropriate
directives
the
3. The general chapter must then
committee do not want to examine. In line
debate
with the Knighthood of the Teutonic Order,
produce two candidates for Grand
there
to
Master. This debate amongst the
elections for selecting a new Hochmeister
general chapter will be addressed in
(Grand Master). The Grand Master and the
the form of a moderated caucus,
Deputy of the Grand Master (Vice Master)
which can be motioned for by any
act as the leaders of the Knighthood of the
member of the general chapter. A
Teutonic Order. The Grand Master holds
Committee Directive detailing which
the supreme office and makes all final
two candidates will stand for the
decisions pertaining to combat and foreign
position of Grand Master must be
diplomacy. Additionally, the Grand Master
submitted and passed in order for
alone can communicate with members of
the Electoral College to make the
the Catholic Church including the Pope. The
final
Vice Master is responsible for both ensuring
members of the Electoral College
the Grand Master’s wishes are executed
cannot
and for calling on a capitulum to assemble
directive. The candidates must meet
an Electoral College to elect a new Grand
the following criteria:
are
certain
rules
pertaining
Master. The rules on how the election
process works are detailed below:
amongst
decision.
vote
themselves
Bear
on
this
in
to
mind
committee
a. Candidate must be a senior
administrator for the Order, a
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Teutonic Knights
Großgebietiger. which refers
votes wins and becomes the next
to the positions of Deputy of
Grand Master.
the Grand Master, Treasurer,
The traditional elections procedure has
Hospital
Affairs
Executive,
been modified to be a process capable of
Dressing
and
Armament
being run at UCBMUN. Delegates should
Executive
and
Chief
come prepared to participate in these
of
elections
Military Affairs
4. Upon receiving the most recently
passed directive stating which two
candidates will stand for Grand
Master. The two candidates must
address the general chapter on what
they hope to accomplish as Grand
Master and who their Vice Master
will be, this will be done in the form
of a moderated caucus where the
candidates must speak and other
members of the Order can make
endorsements.
5. During
the
moderated
caucus,
candidates must write and submit a
Committee
Directive
(with
a
minimum of four sponsors) outlining
their plan for the Teutonic Order and
who would be their Vice Master. The
directives will then be presented to
the general chapter but only voted
on by members of the Electoral
College in voting bloc.
6. Only members
of
the
Electoral
College will cast their vote and the
candidate with the more electoral
committee!
to
further
their
position
in
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Teutonic Knights
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The area of the state of the Teutonic Order
Land and to build hospitals to care for the
from 1260-1410.
sick and injured. Members of the Teutonic
Order are referred to as Teutonic Knights.
Formation of the Teutonic Order
With a voluntary and mercenary military
The Order of the Teutonic Knights of St.
membership, the Teutonic Knights aided in
Mary’s
protecting Christians in the Holy Land and
Hospital
was
established
in
Levantine city-state of Acre in 1190. The
the Baltic states during the Middle Ages.
Teutonic Order was originally formed as a
The Teutonic Order can be traced back to
Catholic
the
military
order
that
could
Christians on their pilgrimage to the Holy
aid
Third
Crusade,
where
wealthy
countrymen built a hospital to treat sick
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Teutonic Knights
pilgrims. Over time these men gathered to
responsible for establishing markets and a
fight for the Holy Land while continuing to
justice system in the region, and were
help the sick and poor. Charity was the
exempt from paying all taxes and tolls in
foundation and origin of the rise of the
return for their services. They greatly
Teutonic Order. They joined an organization
reduced the threat of the nomadic Cumans,
under the pattern of the Order of St. John of
making Burzenland a safer area. During this
Jerusalem with the title Hospitallers.
time, Burzenland thrived, farms and villages
The
Hospitallers sustained their work in the
were
hospital
agrarian yields led to more immigrants
and
battlefield
until
Saladin
developed
and
the
prosperous
captured Jerusalem in 1187. Appreciating
settling in Burzenland.
the Hospitallers altruistic work, Saladin
This prosperity came to an end, however,
allowed some of the Hospitallers to remain
when the Teutonic Order was expelled from
in Jerusalem to continue their work while
Hungary in 1225 due to an attempt to place
others migrated elsewhere. It was not until
themselves
the Siege of Acre from 1189-1191 that the
Hungarian sovereignty. The shift to Papal
former Hospitallers aided with the decisive
sovereignty would make the Teutonic Order
victory for the Crusaders. The Teutonic
an independent state only answerable to the
Order was born during the Siege of Acre.
Pope,
The Teutonic Knights diverged from the
Burzenland. Following their expulsion from
Hospitallers and soon became one of the
Hungary, the Teutonic Order received the
great military religious orders of Europe.
rights to Chełmno Land through a document
under
resulting
Papal
in
instead
Hungary
of
losing
called the Golden Bull of Rimini.
Migration to Transylvania
In 1211 the Teutonic Order migrated to
Conquest of Prussia
Transylvania (specifically Burzenland). King
The Golden Bull of Rimini incited the
Andrew II of Hungary granted the Teutonic
Teutonic Order’s conquest of Prussia. Duke
Order
the
Konrad I of Masovia had attempted to
southeastern border of the Kingdom of
conquer Chełmo Land (located in Prussia at
Hungary from the Cumans. While the
the time) and failed. The Old Prussians
Teutonic Knights were the occupants of
retaliated by attacking the Duke’s Duchy of
Burzenland, the King retained the right to
Masovia. In an attempt to strengthen his
claim all gold, silver and precious metal
forces, Duke Konrad negotiated with Grand
deposits in the area. The order was
Master Hermann von Salza to aid him in
Burzenland
to
defend
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stabilizing his Masovian land. However, von
included
Salza waited until the Holy Roman Emperor,
Pogesania, Bartia, Warmia and Natangia.
King Frederick II, confirmed the Order’s
Typically, the Teutonic Knights accepted
claims to Chełmo Land via the Golden Bull
baptism as a form of submission. Prussians
of Rimini in 1230.
who remained unbaptized were killed or
The Golden Bull of Rimini served as the
exiled.
catalyst for the Prussian Crusade. The
Under charters issued by the Pope and Holy
Teutonic Order had an official claim to
Roman Emperor, the Order ruled Prussia as
Chełmo Land by papal edict. However
a sovereign monastic state. These charters
before campaigning against the pagan Old
included the Golden Bull of Rimini, the
Prussians, the Knights signed the Treaty of
Treaty of Kruszwica (both mentioned above)
Kruszwica, which granted the Teutonic
and the Golden Bull of Rieti. Pope Gregory
Order
IX issued the Golden Bull of Rieti in 1234,
Culmerland
and
any
future
the
regions
confirming
Salza dispatched his envoy Conrad von
conquered by the Teutonic Order were only
Landsberg with a small force of Teutonic
subject to the Pope.
Knights to Masovia, where they aided Duke
The Prussian population had diminished
Konrad in taking possession of Vogelsang.
greatly after 50 years of strife from the
After
campaigns,
Vogelsang,
Landsberg
the
Pomesania,
conquests. Grand Master Hermann von
seizing
that
of
uprisings
Prussian
and
lands
plague.
To
commanded a raid against the remaining
counter this problem, the Teutonic Order
pagans. During this time the remaining
encouraged immigration of colonists from
forces of the Teutonic Order were based in
the Holy Roman Empire (German, Flemish,
Outremer and Armenia.
Dutch) and Masovia (Polish). The Order
The premise of the Conquest of Prussia in
built numerous castles to maintain stability
1230 was for the Teutonic Knights to
within the vast amount of land they
Christianize
conquered.
the pagan Old
Prussians.
Supported by the Pope(s) and the majority
The Teutonic Order met major insurgency
of Christian Europe, the Teutonic Knights
from the Prussians during 1249-1283. The
spent 50 years of bloodshed conquering
Prussian Uprisings, as they were known,
and converting the pagan Prussians. Within
consisted of five revolts. Duke Swietopelk II,
the first ten years of the conquest, the
the Duke of Pomerania (a province of
Teutonic Knights conquered and governed
Prussia under the governance of the
five of the seven major Prussian clans. This
Teutonic Order) incited the first uprising in
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Teutonic Knights
1249. The most notable battle from the first
German-speaking, Christian land where
uprising was the Battle of Krücken, where
native
the rebel Natangians tortured and executed
Christianity) and immigrants from other
54 knights moments after accepting their
German states settled.
Prussians
(who
converted
to
surrender. Though initially successful, the
Prussians were forced to make peace with
Further Expansion
the
suffering
The Teutonic Order began to campaign
numerous military defeats. Pope Innocent
against the pagans in Lithuania in 1291
IV had both parties to sign a peace treaty,
before completing their conquest of Prussia.
however the treaty was never enforced.
This massive campaign lasted nearly 200
The second uprising, also known as The
years. Similar to premise of the Prussian
Great Prussian Uprising, was largest in
Conquest, the Lithuanian Conquest was a
scale and resulted in the Teutonic Order
means for the Teutonic Order to convert
suffering its largest defeat. It took place in
pagan Lithuania to Christianity. These
1260, during the Livonian Crusade and was
campaigns were primarily against the Grand
impelled by the Battle of Durbe. The
Duchy of Lithuania. The Teutonic Order won
Samogitians revolted and defeated the
decisive victories at the Battle of Strèva in
Teutonic Knights and the Livion Order. Over
1348 and at the Battle of Rudau in 1370.
150 knights were slaughtered, prompting
Conflict between the Teutonic Order and
the Teutonic Knights to take action in
Lithuanians was particularly violent. During
quelling this uprising. Reinforcements for
14th century Europe, enslavement of non-
the Teutonic Order arrived slowly despite
Christians was acceptable, hence captured
support from the Pope and other Christian
pagan
states.
clans
servitude to the conquered native Prussians
submitted to the governance of the Teutonic
who demanded land. The land controlled by
Order once reinforcements in the form of
the Teutonic Order grew exponentially
additional knights, cavalry, weapons and
following the Lithuanian conquest.
food reached Prussia in 1265. The Great
The Teutonic Order simultaneously was
Prussian Uprising officially ended in 1274.
embroiled
The other three uprisings were minor in
succession to the Duchy of Pomeralia (a
comparison and were subdued quickly. The
region
final
the
Margraves of Brandenburg claimed the
Prussian Crusade. Prussia was now a
duchy and Duke Władysław of Poland also
Teutonic
The
uprising
Knights
insurgent
in
1295
after
Prussian
concluded
Lithuanians
in
in
were
conflict
modern
day
forced
regarding
Poland).
into
the
The
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Teutonic Knights
made
a
claim.
Duke Władysław
was
opposed by a number of Pomeranian
Livonia, Estonia, Gotland, Dagö, Ösel and
Neumark.
nobles who believed the Brandenburgs had
a superior claim. The Duke enlisted the aid
Decline
of the Teutonic Knights to assert his claim
Although the Teutonic Order controlled a
on the duchy. The Teutonic Knights took
vast region by the early 15th century, this
over the citadel of Danzig and expelled the
vast control of area proved to be unstable
Brandenburgs
all
and ungovernable. In 1410 the Kingdom of
Duke
Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
Władysław was the successor to the Duchy
combined forces to attack the Teutonic
of Pomeralia. The takeover at Danzig
Order in the Polish-Lithuanian Teutonic
marked a turning point in the history of the
Wars. During the Battle of Grunwald the
Teutonic Knights. Since Polish nobles had
Teutonic Knights faced their largest defeat
always been an ally to the Knights in their
with a majority of their leadership killed or
conquest of Lithuania and Prussia, the
imprisoned.
Teutonic Order faced a revengeful Poland in
Knights withstood the forces of the Poles
addition to campaigns against Lithuania. In
and Lithuanians by retreating to their capital
1343 Polish nobles and the Teutonic Order
in Marienburg. In 1411 the Teutonic Order
signed the Treaty of Kalisz to end their feud.
signed the first Peace of Thorn, which
The Knights retained control of Pomeralia
compelled them to return Dobrzyń Land to
with Danzig and Chełmno Land.
Poland.
In addition to conquering several pagan
regions in Samogitia to the Duchy of
regions in the name of Christianity, the
Lithuania
Teutonic Order was given land in exchange
disputes ensued between the Kingdom of
for their services. King Albert of Sweden
Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
yielded Gotland to the Teutonic Order in the
resulting in the Hunger War in 1414 and the
hope they would eliminate the threat of
Gollub War in 1422. The Treaty of Melno
pirates in the Baltic Sea. Through similar
resolved these territorial disputes and the
events, the land mass controlled by the
Teutonic Order yielded Samogitia to the
Teutonic Order grew. At the height of their
Duchy of Lithuania. One primary reason
power in1407, the Teutonic Order governed
why the Teutonic Knights were unable to
Prussia, Pomeralia, Samogitia, Courland,
maintain their land was due to political
inhabitants,
and
thereby
massacred
ensuring
Nevertheless,
The
as
Teutonic
well.
the
Order
Additional
Teutonic
returned
territorial
infighting. The Teutonic Knights imposed
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Teutonic Knights
high taxes to fund their campaigns against
gradually lost its power. In 1809 only the
the Polish and Lithuanians, which bred
bailiwicks in Austria and Tyrol remained.
more instability within the State of the
The Teutonic Order lost all power and
Teutonic Order.
territory in 1809 when Napoleon Bonaparte
The
Prussian
Confederation
revolted
ordered the dissolution of the bailiwicks.
against the Order in 1454 following the
Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic
War.
The
Timeline
Prussian Confederation was led by the
1198 Formation of the Teutonic Order
cities of Elbing, Kulm (Chełmno) and
1218 Siege of Damietta
Danzig. This began the Thirteen Years’
1228–1229 The Sixth Crusade
War, which ended in victory for the Prussian
1237 Absorption of The Livonian Brothers of
Confederation with the Second Peace of
the Sword
Thorn in 1466. In this peace treaty the
1241 The Battle of Legnica
Teutonic Knights relinquished Pomerelia
1242 The Battle on the Ice
with Danzig, Chełmno Land (including
1242-1249 First Prussian Uprising
regions
1249 Treaty of Christburg with the Pagan
of
Kulm,
Thorn,
Elbing
and
Marienburg) and Warmia. This resulted in
Prussians
the Teutonic Order losing large parts of their
1249 Battle of Krücken
state. In 1525 Grand Master Albert, Duke of
1260 Battle of Durbe
Prussia converted to Lutheranism and
1260–1274 Great Prussian Uprising
ousted the Order from Prussia. Herein
1262 Siege of Königsberg
eastern Prussia became known as the
1263 Battle of Löbau
Duchy of Prussia.
1264 Siege of Bartenstein
Although the Teutonic Order lost their
1270 Battle of Karuse
Prussian lands they still controlled regions
1271 Battle of Pagastin
in the Holy Roman Empire and Livonia. To
1279 Battle of Aizkraukle
compensate for their loss of land, the Order
1308–1309 Teutonic takeover of
reformed their administrative system where
Danzig and Treaty of Soldin
several smaller regions were combined to
1326–1332 First Polish-Teutonic War,
form a bailiwick. Overall there were twelve
for Kuyavia, Lithuanian and Hungarian
German bailiwicks. However due to multiple
involvement
revolts from the Peasants’ War in 1525 to
1331 Battle of Płowce
the Livonian War in 1561 the Order
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1343 Treaty of Kalisz, exchange of Kuyavia
used, the economic costs of conquests and
for Kulm and other territories
war and the various alliances and treaties
1343–1345 St. George's Night Uprising
the Teutonic Order made to secure their
1346 Purchase of Duchy of Estonia from
newly acquired land.
Denmark
1348 Battle of Strėva
Military Organization
1370 Battle of Rudau
While the Hochmeister (Grand Master) is
1409–1411 Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic War,
the leader of the Teutonic Order, the military
the Teutonic knights are defeated at Battle
is managed by a Großgebietiger (high
of Tannenberg
officer) who is appointed by the Grand
1414 Hunger War
Master.
1422 Gollub War ending with the Treaty of
Marescalcus) is the chief of military affairs
Melno
of the Teutonic Order and actively presides
1431–1435 Second Polish-Teutonic War
over deploying the Order’s troops and
1454–1466 Thirteen Years' War
strategizing battles.
1466 Second Peace of Thorn
The
1467–1479 War of the Priests
comprised the majority of the Order’s
1519–1521 Third Polish-Teutonic War
fighting force. This contingent was lightly
1525 Order loses State of the Teutonic
equipped with a spear and shield but
Order
provided the bulk of the army. The quality
The
native
Marschall
troops
of
(Summus
Teutonic
Order
and effectiveness of the native troops was
TOPIC 1: COMBAT
highly variable. For example, the bordering
Topic Overview
provinces of conquered Livonian areas were
One of the core topics that will be
home to the Teutonic Order’s most skillful
addressed in committee is the role of
force. However, the native troops of the
combat and warfare in the Teutonic Order.
Order did not do well with traditional
As a religious military order, combat and
European styled warfare and faired better
war were the cornerstones for the Teutonic
during raids and counter raids.
Knights. They were involved in several
The Marschall commanded all of the
conquests particularly the conquests of
Teutonic Order’s knights as well as the
Prussia in 1230 and Lithuania in 1291. This
soldiers of other military organizations that
section will explore the military organization
were absorbed into the Teutonic Order. For
of the Order, the strategies and weapons
example, some of the members of the
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Teutonic Knights
Orders Brethren joined the military wing of
Teutonic Order for life to serve in the
the Teutonic Order. There were three
military for a shorter term. The crest of the
distinct groups of the Brethren who were a
HalbBrudern was a tau cross on a light grey
part of the Teutonic Order’s army, the
background, however was often combined
RitterBrudern, the Diendebrudern and the
with personal family coat of arms.
HalbBrudern. While the statute of the
In addition to the military services of the
Teutonic Order permitted any male to join
Orders Brethren, the Teutonic Order also
their forces, new members had to speak
employed mercenaries, the MitBrudern (Lay
German and be Catholic.
Knights), the German colonists and even
The RitterBrudern (also known as the
volunteers. The Order’s mercenaries were
Brother Knights) comprised the elite of the
often of German origin and while the precise
Teutonic Order’s military. They supposedly
details of how many mercenaries the
had
equipment
Teutonic Order used, it is estimated that
available at the time in Eastern Europe,
4,000 hired troops were present at the
comparable to the most skilled knights in
Battle of Tannenberg out of 30,000. The
Western
of
MitBrudern (Lay Knights) were nobility that
RitterBrudern who served as part of the
held land which was granted by the Order.
Teutonic Order’s forces rose nearly to 750
Depending on the area of the land held, the
during the Battle of Tannenberg.
Mit Brudern had to provide varying amounts
The Diendebruden were not of noble birth,
of equipment (included armor, horses, food
unlike the RitterBrudern. Their role in the
and occasionally troops). Upon the earliest
military was confined to serving as lesser
conquests in the Baltic, the Teutonic Order
men at arms forming the rear ranks or as
encouraged the German colonists to settle
infantry. Their crest was a tau cross upon a
into the new lands. This in turn created
light grey background.
numerous new German towns and the
The HalbBrudern (also known as Half
Order was able to call upon the men in
Brothers) were considered members of the
these towns to create their own militias.
Order but had a shorter period of service
Depending
and duties and, unlike the RitterBrudern and
comprising the militia was either a foot-
DiendeBrudern, did not take monastic vow
soldier or mounted knight. Additionally, the
for life. Some historians argue that the
Teutonic
HalbBrudern might have been an attempt to
volunteers for their campaigns. Most of
encourage those unwilling to join the
these volunteers were German and even
the
best
artillery
Europe.
The
and
number
on
Order
their
wealth,
sometimes
the
men
recruited
16
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
These
charge effectively breaking the formation of
volunteers served for different reasons,
the enemy army. From historical evidence it
sometimes to fulfill crusading vows, prestige
seems as though mounted knights were
or to loot.
used as a reserve in battle. Furthermore,
nobility
volunteered
to
serve.
the discipline of the Order gave the knights
Weapons and Strategies
a certain sense of flexibility allowing the
A Teutonic Knight traditionally was armed
knights on horseback to attack from the
with a sword but occasionally they would
wings or the center.
also be armed with maces, war hammers or
lances. A sword however was more utilized
Rivals
by the knights in battle. Also knights also
Since its formation in 1190, the Order of the
carried a shield to protect themselves from
Teutonic Knights has been involved in
enemy’s strikes. Many-a-times knights kept
numerous conflicts against many rivals. In
a concealed dagger for close range combat.
1211 the Knights were commissioned by the
In terms of armor, Teutonic Knights wore
King of Hungary to defend the Southern
chain mail, helmets and full plate armor in
borders against the Cumans. Upon the
battle. In some battles the horses would
Knight’s relocation to Chełmno Land, they
also wear full plate armor for additional
launched an attack against the Muslims in
protection.
Outremer.
The strategies used by the Teutonic Order
One of the Teutonic Order’s greatest
placed emphasis on Knights being able to
opponents
break apart the enemy army. Due to the
conquest of Prussia lasted over fifty years
discipline of the Order, the army was able to
and pagan Prussians who refused to
sophistically strategize their tactics. The
convert to Catholicism were killed. The
Teutonic Order divided their army into two
Prussian Uprisings from 1260-1283 shows
wings and a center. It seems as though a
the height of conflict between the Prussians
defensive position was main strategy used
and the Teutonic Knights. During this time
by the Teutonic Order in battle. Infantry and
many
artillery would be deployed first in front of
emigrated while those people remaining lost
those knights mounted on horseback. The
their rights or converted to Catholicism.
infantry and artillery were used to soften
The Order had been rivals with the Grand
and eventually break apart the attackers.
Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of
Upon this, those mounted knights would
Poland in the 14th and 15th centuries.
were
belonging
the
to
Prussians.
Prussian
The
nobility
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UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
Warfare
between
the
Order
and
the
Annexation of land
Lithuanians became brutal, as Lithuania
As a religious military organization, the
remained
The
Teutonic Order led multiple conquests and
Teutonic Order saw non-Christians as
in doing so annexed large areas of land.
lacking rights and many Lithuanians were
The two major conquests the Teutonic
enslaved and used for forced labor. The war
Order led were against the pagans in
between the Teutonic Order and Lithuania
Prussia in 1230 and Lithuania in 1291. After
lasted over 200 years. In 1306 the Order
the Golden Bull of Rimini was issued the
found themselves in a conflict with the
Teutonic Order was granted Culmerland in
Duchy of Pomerelia (modern day Poland). It
Prussia. In order to claim Culmerland, the
was only till 1343 with the Treaty of Kalisz
Teutonic Knights campaigned from 1230 to
that ended the war between the Teutonic
1243 and took possession of Vogelsang
Knights and Poland. The Treaty stated that
(and in time built a castle there as a base),
the lands of Kuyavia and Dobrzyń Land
the southern region of the Vitsula River,
were to be returned to Poland while
Toruń and Rogów. In 1233 the Knights led
Culmerland and Danzig would be retained
an army of 10,000 to take control over
by the Teutonic Knights.
Pomesania and commanded a smaller force
a
non-Christian
state.
to invade Pogesania in 1234. In 1234 a
TOPIC 2: NATION BUILDING
fortress at Rehden was built to solidify the
Topic Overview
Teutonic Order’s claim on Culmerland.
be
Additionally, the Teutonic Knights wished to
addressed in committee is the role of nation
absorb the Order of Dobrzyń, a small
building in the Teutonic Order. Through their
knighthood, into the Teutonic Knights in
various
Order
order to lay claim to Dobrzyń Land. The
acquired a land amount of land. They built
Duke Conrad of Masovia opposed this
upon this land for their vassals to tend and
proposal and demanded the return of
implemented
Dobrzyń Land and withheld further aid to
The
second
core
conquests
topic
the
policies
that
will
Teutonic
to
bolster
their
economy in order to create and develop the
the
Teutonic
State of the Teutonic Order. This section will
assistance from the Pope, the Bishop pf
explore the various land the Order annexed,
Płock and the papal legate, William of
the economy and the expansion of the State
Modena, the Teutonic Knights absorbed the
of the Teutonic Order.
Order of Dobrzyń in 1235 and lay claim to
Dobrzyń Land.
Knights.
However,
with
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UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
From 1238-1240 the Teutonic Knights
conflict with the Teutonic Knights still
campaigned
controlling Pomeralia with Danzig.
against
the
Bartians,
Natangians and Warmians (all Old Prussian
Through
multiple
conquests,
the
land
tribes). With reinforcements from Otto I the
controlled by the Teutonic Order expanded.
Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg the Teutonic
In 1407, the Teutonic Order governed
Order took control over Bartia and Natangia.
Prussia, Pomeralia, Samogitia, Courland,
By 1243 Pope Innocent IV had divided the
Livonia, Estonia, Gotland, Dagö, Ösel and
conquered Prussian territories into Culm,
Neumark.
Pomesania, Ermeland and Samland and
commanded the Teutonic Order to oversee
Economy
the development and stability of these
While the Teutonic Order was primarily a
conquered lands.
military order, a sector of the knighthood
The Teutonic Order campaigned against the
was dedicated to managing the finances.
Lithuanians
One of the Großgebietigers (high officials) is
in
1291.
This
enormous
campaign lasted nearly 200 years. These
the
Treßler,
the
campaigns were against the Grand Duchy
responsible for managing all of the Order’s
of Lithuania. The Teutonic Order were
financial
successful at the Battle of Strèva in 1348
money in order to fund the Knight’s various
and at the Battle of Rudau in 1370. The land
conquests.
controlled by the Teutonic Order grew
Initially when the Teutonic Order fled Acre,
tenfold after the Lithuanian conquest.
they did not have enough money to run their
The Teutonic Order also attempted to annex
charity.
Pomeralia (in modern day Poland). They
requires
saw their first decisive victory in Danzig and
wealthy members of the Order became
took over the citadel. Since Polish nobles
benefactors of the knighthood and donated
had been an avid supporter of the Teutonic
large sums of money to keep the hospital
Knights in the past with their conflicts
running. One of the earliest benefactors was
against the Prussians and the Lithuanians.
Frederick the Duke of Swabia who died at
This launched a feud between Polish nobles
the siege of Acre and was buried at the
and the Teutonic Order, however in 1342
Church of the Knights.
the Polish nobles and the Teutonic Knights
The treasurer was also responsible for
signed the Treaty of Kalisz to end their
collecting payments from the vassals living
issues,
Since
money
treasurer,
receiving
caring
and
of
who
and
sick
resources
is
paying
soldiers
many
on land controlled by the Order. Feudalism
19
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
reigned in territories conquered by the
from the nobles living off their land, they
Teutonic Knights. Nobles received grain
also received ample monetary funds from
from their vassals who cultivated the land
the Catholic Church, namely the Pope. The
and nobles paid money to the governing
Catholic Church had the ability to provide
Knights in exchange for their protection. The
money, armor, cavalry, infantry, weapons
economy in the territories controlled by the
and food to sustain the Teutonic Knights.
Teutonic Order followed similar structures
The Catholic Church was the only higher
with slight variations. Often these variations
power the Teutonic Knights were subject to
would be increased or decreased taxes in
and it is only through papal edict that the
order for Teutonic Order to generate
Teutonic Knights were able to launch their
revenue to fund their campaigns.
conquests in Prussia, Livonia and Lithuania.
Additionally, the Treasurer was responsible
for the import, export, crediting, commerce
TOPIC 3: INTERNAL POLITICS
and real estate investment the Order carried
Topic Overview
out by using its vast network of bailiwicks
The third core topic that will be addressed in
that spanned over much of Eastern Europe
committee is the function of internal politics
and the Holy Land. The Treasurer was
in forming and strengthening the Teutonic
meant to be kept abreast over which areas
Order. As the knighthood began to expand
had a monopoly over which materials. For
in terms of territory and membership, the
example, Marienburg had the grain export
internal government structure had to be
monopoly while Königsberg held the amber
cohesive to provide stability and prevent
export
rebellions. This section will discuss the
monopoly.
Another
major
responsibility of the Treasurer was knowing
criteria
who to trade with. Due to piracy in the
hierarchies within the Teutonic Order and
1380s in the Baltic Sea, the Grand Master
the traditional election process to vote in a
Conrad of Wallenrode blocked trade of fish
new Grand Master and high officials to lead
and seafaring to Prussia. Then resulting in
the Order.
for
membership,
the
political
fish prices tripling in Prussia. The role of the
economy
and
trade
were
extremely
Membership
significant in determining the well-being of
Upon its conception in 1198 the Teutonic
the Teutonic Order.
Order was split into two types of members,
While
the
Teutonic
Order
received
the knights and the clergy. Both members
donations from benefactors and revenue
had to be of exclusive German birth
20
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
however only knights were required to be
Universal
from a noble family. Members of the
Leadership, the Regional Leadership, the
Teutonic Order took monastic vows and
Local Leadership and Special Offices.
swore to celibacy. Furthermore, members
Under the Universal Leadership there exists
had to pledge that they would devote
the Generalkapitel (the General Chapter),
themselves to take care of the sick and to
the Hochmeister (the Grand Master) and the
fight against enemies of the Faith. Knights
Großgebietigers (the High Officials/Senior
were dressed in black with a white cloak
Administrators). The General Chapter is the
with a black cross and often carried a
collection of all the knights, priests and
sword. Members of the clergy often wore
sergeants. Due to logistical problems to
simple, plain robes as their duties were
assemble all the members of the General
more confined to caring for the sick in
Chapter due to being spread over large
hospitals
distances,
or
on
the
battlefield
and
Leadership,
the
General
the
National
Chapter
was
administering order in their churches.
designed to meet once a year although
The original rules the Teutonic Order had to
these meeting were often limited to electing
follow were stringent, all members lived in
a new Grand Master. The decisions of the
common and slept in the same dormitories
General Chapter had a binding effect on the
on small beds. They were all required to
Senior officers of the Teutonic Order. The
attend daily services and recite specific
Hochmeister (Grand Master) was the most
prayers. Members were not allowed to leave
senior official of the Order. The Grand
their convent and were not permitted to
Master
receive or send any personal letters without
Prince of Prussia until 1466 and until 1525
permission of their superior officer. Their
he was elected by the General Chapter. The
clothes and armor were to be made of the
Grand Master had complete control over all
simplest material and costly ornaments to
of the Teutonic Order’s resources and
adorn their swords and armor were strictly
approved and oversaw all of the Order’s
prohibited. However, in battle each knight
proceedings.
was given three or four horses and a squire
The Großgebietigers (High Officials) were
to carried his shield and lance.
senior administrators appointed by the
was
considered the
Sovereign
Grand Master for specific purposes. Each
Hierarchies within the Teutonic Order
High Officer had the ability to control all the
The leadership within the Teutonic Order
resources in their department. There were
can be divided into five departments; the
five officers:
21
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
The
Großkomtur, the
deputy
of
the
The Local Leadership of the Teutonic Order
Hochmeister also called the Vice Master
was comprised of members known as the
The Treßler, the treasurer
Kommende. The Kommende was ruled by a
The Spitler, responsible for all hospital
Komtur who had all administrative rights
affairs
and control over local districts. Within the
The Trapier, responsible for dressing and
Kommende all brothers lived together,
armament
noblemen served as knights and priests or
The Marschall, the chief of military affairs.
vice versa.
The National Leadership of the Order was
Despite these specific branches of the
divided
hierarchy of the Teutonic Order, there were
into
three
national
chapters,
Prussia, Livland and the territory of the Holy
a few special offices. These included:
Roman Empire. The highest officer of each
The
chapter was called a Landmeister (Country
Hochmeister who served as the recording
Master). Landmesiters were elected by their
clerk of the various chapters.
regional chapters. Within their own territory,
The Münzmeister (Master of Mint) who was
the Grand Master cannot oppose the
responsible for producing coin (In 1246 the
Landmeister’s decisions. There were three
Teutonic Order received the right to produce
such Landmeisters, the Landmeister of
its own money).
Livlan, the Landmeister of Prussia and the
The Pfundmeister (Customs Master) where
Deutschmeister (The Landmeister of the
the Pfund was a local customs duty.
Holy Empire). Once Prussia and Livland
The Generalprokurator, the representative
were lost to the Teutonic Order, the
of the Teutonic Order in the Vatican.
Deutschmeister
The
also
became
the
Kanzler
(Chancellor)
Großschäffer,
of
the
the
trading
Hochmeister.
representative with special authority.
Since the landmass accumulated by the
Traditional Election Process
Teutonic Order did not form a cohesive
The traditional elections process conducted
territory but instead was spread apart over
by the members of the Teutonic Order
Europe, an additional regional form of
ensured a smooth transition of power. Upon
government was needed. Officers in the
the death of the Grand Master, the Vice
Regional
were
Master would call upon a capitulum of the
responsible for overseeing the general
leading officers of the Order. The General
welfare of individual cities or towns.
Chapter would then select a twelve-person
Leadership
branch
electoral
college
comprised
of
seven
22
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
knights, four sergeants and one priest.
done in the name of the Catholic Church. As
Once a majority Grand Master candidate
in such, all other alliances the Teutonic
was chosen, the minority electors would
Order made with foreign nationals were
concede to support unanimity. The elections
made at the behest of the Catholic Church.
process would provide a new Grand Master
During the First Prussian Uprising, the
within three months. Contrary to many
Teutonic Knights were supported by the
medieval
for
Pope, the Catholic Church and the rulers of
Grand Master who had experience as
Christian Europe while they fought against
senior officials were usually elected based
the pagan Baltic tribes (who were supported
off merit not lineage.
by Duke Swietopelk II, Duke of Pomerania).
governments,
candidates
After the rebels suffered multiple defeats,
TOPIC 4: FOREIGN POLICY
Pope Innocent IV attempted to negotiate a
Topic Overview
peace treaty between the Teutonic Knights
The fourth and final core topic that will be
and Prussians. This treaty was called the
addressed in committee is the role of
Treaty of Christburg and was signed on
foreign policy in maintaining peace and
February
stability across the State of the Teutonic
guaranteed all rights to Prussians who
Order. While simultaneously fighting the
converted
pagans, building upon annexed land and
establish peace between Prussians who did
dealing with internal politics, the Teutonic
not wish to convert to Christianity. The
Order also had to establish diplomatic ties
Treaty of Christburg was never enforced
with foreign nationals and the Catholic
especially following the events of the Battle
Church. This section will explore the most
of Krücken, where Prussians killed 54
significant alliances and treaties made by
knights after they had surrendered.
the Teutonic Order and the important
Following
relationship the Teutonic Knights had with
Teutonic Knights were involved in the
the Catholic Church.
conflict regarding the succession to the
2,
to
the
1249.
This
Christianity
Prussian
peace
but
treaty
did
Uprisings,
not
the
Duchy of Pomeralia. In 1308 the Teutonic
Alliances and Treaties
Knights agreed to aid Polish forces in
The Teutonic Order swore allegiance to the
retaking the city of Danzig from the
Holy Roman Empire (from 1190-1806) and
Brandenburgians in exchange for being
to
Their
allowed to take charge of nearby fort.
various conquests and campaigns were all
However, during the siege of Danzig, there
the
Papacy
(1190-onwards).
23
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
were disputes as to how much of the fort
Order ever went to war against the Polish
would be given to the Teutonic Knights.
kings they would lose all rights to the lands
After Danzig was captured, the Teutonic
that were granted by the Treaty of Kalisz.
Knights massacred all its inhabitants and
Following the Polish-Teutonic Wars, the
took the city for themselves. This resulted in
Teutonic Order was involved in the Gollub
the conflict between the Poles and the
War (1422) against the Kingdom of Poland
Teutonic Knights. In order to claim to
and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It was
Danzig, the Teutonic Knights purchased the
ended by the Treaty of Melno signed in
land from the Brandenburgs. The Treaty of
1422.
Soldin was signed in 1309 by Waldemar,
territorial
Margrave of Brandenburg-Stendal and the
Knights and Lithuania over the area of
Teutonic Knights. The treaty was confirmed
Samogitia.
The
Treaty
of
disagreements
Melno
resolved
between
the
in 1311 but due to the controversial nature
of the annexation of land, Polish leaders did
Relationship
with
not accept the Teutonic takeover of Danzig.
Empire
This provided the catalyst to the Polish-
The relationship between the Teutonic
Teutonic Wars.
Order and the Holy Roman Empire and
The Polish-Teutonic Wars from 1326-1332
Catholic Church has always been one
was ended by the Treaty of Kalisz signed in
based on fealty. The Grand Master would
1343 by King Casimir III the Great of Poland
consult the Holy Roman Emperor (until the
and the Teutonic Knights. The Treaty of
position was abolished in 1806) and the
Kalisz stated that the Polish king had to
Pope prior to beginning any campaigns. The
renounce all claims to Chełmno Land and
title of Holy Roman Emperor evolved into an
Pomerania. In exchange Poland received
elected monarchy where the emperor was
the lands of Kuyavia and the Lands of
considered first among equals and was
Dobrzyń. The Treaty of Kalisz also stated
elected by the Prince-electors. The title of
that the Polish had to acknowledge other
Holy Roman Emperor also came with rule of
territorial acquisitions of the Teutonic Order
the Kingdom of Germany and Kingdom of
(like the lands gained by the Treaty of
Italy. The Holy Roman Emperor worked in
Soldin). Also as part of the treaty, the King
conjunction with the Pope in instructing the
of Poland was to become a patron of the
Teutonic Order on which Baltic tribes to
Order. Meaning the Teutonic Knights were
campaign
required to aid Poland militarily and if the
Emperor as an individual was only as
against.
the
The
Holy
Holy
Roman
Roman
24
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
powerful and strong as his alliances. The
strategize accordingly to determine which of
premise of the relationship between the
the four areas you will have the most
Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire
influence in. While this committee will aim to
and the Catholic Church was to rid Europe
be historically accurate, it should be noted
of pagans non-Christians. As a Catholic
that the fate of Europe is in your hands. You
military order the Teutonic Knights were
will have the ability to wield your influence
formed to serve as a crusading military
through the military, the Holy Roman
force to protect Christians in the Holy Land
Empire, the economy and through the inner
and the Baltics in the Middle Ages.
workings of the Teutonic Order itself.
The
Holy Roman Emperor would provide aid in
We wish all delegates to have a unique and
the form of money, troops, cavalry, infantry
memorable Model UN experience in this
from his Catholic monarch allies while the
medieval,
Pope would issue edicts and decree to
committee. Above all we hope delegates
legalize the Teutonic Order’s campaigns
are excited to have a wonderful, action-
and conquests.
packed weekend at UCBMUN XXI!
CONCLUSION
Closing Remarks
We hope through this background guide,
delegates
obtain
a
comprehensive
understanding of the Teutonic Order so that
they can plan how they wish to impact and
change 13th century Eastern Europe! Using
your best combative and diplomatic skills
we hope that you, the Knights of the
Teutonic Order, will fight to spread the one
true Faith to all of Europe while dealing with
treacherous enemies of different creeds and
ethnicities. The four core topics of combat,
nation building, internal politics and foreign
diplomacy will be addressed continuously in
committee so we recommend, depending
on your character’s position, that you
multi-faceted,
fast-paced
25
UCBMUN XXI
Teutonic Knights
Bibliography
Deutscher Orden - German Order - Teutonic Order. "Histories of the Teutonic Order." Histories
of the Teutonic Order. The Chivalric Teutonic Order of St Mary's Hospital in Jerusalem
International
Copyright
Held,
2001.
Web.
05
Aug.
2016.
<http://www.imperialteutonicorder.com/id16.html>.
F. C, Woodhouse. "Teutonic Knights: Their Organization And History."Teutonic Knights: Their
Organization And History. History World, n.d. Web. 05 Aug. 2016. <http://historyworld.org/teutonic_knights.htm>.
Sterns, Indrikis. "Crime and Punishment among the Teutonic Knights."Speculum 57.1 (1982):
84-111. JSTOR [JSTOR]. Web. 5 Aug. 2016. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/2847563>.
Wikipedia. "Teutonic Order Timeline." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.
11 Jan. 2017. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teutonic_Order#Timeline>.
26