1 1444-1445
When Wladyslaw III was killed in the battle of Varna, both Poland and Hungary were left without their kings. Now, it is the responsibility of the nobles to appoint a new ruler. The most suitable candidate, Kazimierz Jagiellon, has already been made Grand Duke of Lithuania four years prior. However, crowning him as the new ruler would require an agreement acceptable to Kazimierz, the Lithuanian nobles, and the Polish nobles.
Since 1392, Poland and Lithuania have been bound together by agreements aimed at integrating both states, allowing them to present a united front against common enemies such as the Teutonic Order, Livonian Orders, Golden Horde, Crimean Khanate, and Muscovy. This cooperation has enabled the two countries to thrive despite facing numerous enemies. However, integrating the nobility of two divergent states has proven challenging. Within both Polish and Lithuanian nobility, there are influential families known as Magnates who hold significant political influence and control vast estates. These families serve as the financial and political backbone of their respective states, and even kings hesitate to reject their power.
While large parts of Poland and Lithuania remain sparsely populated, it is evident that the integration of these two states could make them among the most powerful in Europe. Nevertheless, they face formidable enemies. In the south, the Ottoman Empire poses a threat to Hungary, while to the north, the highly militarized Teutonic Order considers the two states their main enemy. A tenuous agreement has been reached with the Knights after the Lithuanian Civil War, acknowledging existing borders and recognizing the Polish-Lithuanian king. However, the most dangerous threat lies in the Grand Duchy of Muscovy in the far northeast. The Muscovites are rapidly expanding their state to challenge Lithuanian overlordship over the Ruthenian and Russian peoples in the Grand Duchy.
Start
Poland, November 1444
When Poland began, it lacked a king as the previous one was killed by the Ottomans in the Battle of Varna. Now, a new king must rise, but will they be a king of Poland or the result of a union between two countries? Poland's rivals include Hungary, the Teutonic Order, and Denmark. Hungary is the largest country apart from the Ottomans in the south of Poland, while the Teutonic Order is a wealthy religious order of chevalerie. Lastly, Denmark is a powerful country whose king rules over Sweden and Norway through a personal union. Although this may not immediately impact Poland, it could cause future troubles. To ensure protection, Poland has chosen to ally with Moldavia and Lithuania.
Poland, March 1, 1445
Despite having no king, Poland operates under an elective monarchy, allowing it to govern itself. For the sake of protection, Poland has decided to recruit additional troops, increasing its manpower from 21,000 to 28,000. Additionally, Moldavia, Poland's ally, has requested assistance in claiming the throne. Poland has agreed, on the condition that Moldavia becomes its vassal. Romana successfully ascends to the throne, making Moldavia Poland's puppet, with a cost of only 3,000 men. Hoorah!
Poland, October 8, 1445
After the death of the last Piast monarch in 1370, Polish nobles began asserting their independence from the monarchy based on ancient claims and historical precedent. Initially, only a small portion of the noble class had the privilege to choose the next monarch. However, over time, the right to elect the ruler of Poland was extended to all Polish nobles. It should be noted that in Poland, nobility was inherited by all children of a titled individual. Therefore, at its peak, around half a million Poles had a voice in the election, making it the widest possible franchise in Renaissance Europe and likely the largest 'democratic' system until the American and French Republics emerged. The true royal elections started in 1573 with the election of Henry of Valois, as foreign princes continuously laid claim to the Polish throne, prompting the nobles to have a say in choosing among them.
During the Commonwealth period, the Kings of Poland and Grand Princes of Lithuania were elected by noble gatherings at a field in Wola, just outside Warsaw. Tens of thousands of nobles would attend these events, where the wealthiest magnates mingled with the poorest counts, exchanging favors and votes. The initial election took four days to conclude, though future ones would be smaller and faster, usually completed within a day or two. These events included parties, fairs, and armed men. An interrex, typically the Primate of Warsaw, would temporarily hold royal power during the election process and oversee the voting.
That concludes the first page of my journal. I know, I know, it fast but we still have many year :)
