Peace of Thorn (1411)

The Peace of Thorn, signed in 1411 in Thorn (Toruń), concluded the Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic War, also known as the Great War, between the Teutonic Order and the allied Kingdom of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

The treaty stipulated that the Teutonic Order would cede Dobrzyń Land to Poland, and Samogitia would remain under Lithuanian control until the deaths of King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland and Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania. After their deaths, Samogitia was supposed to revert to the Teutonic Order; however, this clause was ultimately never fulfilled. The Order also agreed to pay a large indemnity to Poland.

While the Peace of Thorn did not completely resolve the underlying tensions between the parties, it marked a significant turning point in the balance of power in the region. The Teutonic Order, weakened by their defeat at the Battle of Grunwald (Tannenberg) in 1410, was forced to make concessions and was further economically strained by the indemnity payments. This weakening of the Order paved the way for future conflicts and ultimately contributed to their decline. The treaty also solidified the Polish-Lithuanian union and strengthened their position in Eastern Europe. The settlement of border disputes, albeit temporary in some regions, allowed for a period of relative stability following the intense fighting. The Peace of Thorn is considered a significant event in the history of Poland, Lithuania, and the Teutonic Order.