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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 2 UCBMUN XXI 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 3 UCBMUN XXI 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? 4 UCBMUN XXI Teutonic Knights 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]) 5 UCBMUN XXI 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]) 6 UCBMUN XXI Teutonic Knights 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 7 UCBMUN XXI 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 8 UCBMUN XXI 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 9 UCBMUN XXI 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 10 UCBMUN XXI Teutonic Knights 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 11 UCBMUN XXI 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 12 UCBMUN XXI 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 13 UCBMUN XXI 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 14 UCBMUN XXI Teutonic Knights 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 15 UCBMUN XXI 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 17 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 18 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