Chapter Ten: Heinrich V (1467-1487)
The Teutonic lands at the time of Heinrich's rise
The newly chosen Hochmeister was Heinrich V. A superb administrator, Heinrich sought to consolidate the new holdings of the Teutonic Order. He was not interested in crusading, wishing instead to convert the provinces the Order already held, and strengthening the economy again, which was, at the point of his rise to the Hochmeistership, barely breaking even. Following the sending of missionaries to five provinces, the National Bank was re-opened in 1468. Despite his misgivings, a settlement policy ordered by Johann in his last days was also enacted in Sarai. Heinrich also had little interest in war, but did have one consideration in the back of his mind – Lithuania. Lithuania was still dividing the Teutonic lands, but yet again going to war did not seem a viable option, due to their alliances. The first trade station in country was welcomed in Livland in 1470, but welcomed even more was the election of an Austrian, rather than Bohemian, Emperor later that year.
Tentatively deciding that this was, perhaps, a lead toward trading, Heinrich also began sending merchants to Lubeck, and began getting handy income from the large trading centre. The changes in government policy also saw a boost to investment in government, more than useful given the poor theocratic investment capabilities.
And a welcome investment
Muscowy declared war on the Mongol Khanate in 1472, calling the Teutons to arms, a call accepted by Heinrich, but he had no intention of doing anything beyond defending his lands, meaning an acceptance of a white peace with them by the end of 1473. Heinrich followed the lead of Karl Joseph by agreeing to listen to petitions for freedom from the peasants, believing them to be of more economic value if they had more freedom. He was also pleased to hear of army developments which saw them take on the form of Landsknechten Infantry.
This was to mark the beginning of extended freedoms afforded to peasants over the years to come
The excommunication of the Swedish ruler, though, tickled his fancy. The remaining Swedish lands were rich, and would connect with the Finnish lands quite nicely. With no strong allies, they were there to be taken, and so he moved two armies up to the Swedish border in August 1474, before declaring war in December. A relatively quick siege effort allowed the Order to take three Swedish provinces, which meant the last two provinces could be taken relatively quickly in the future, and peace was achieved just before New Year's Day, 1476.
Scandinavia, rich in resources that the Teutons did not yet have their hands on, became a focus of Heinrich's. He pushed his claims on English Scandinavia while waiting to annex Sweden, which he did following a short war in 1481. Despite Muscowy's struggles in the east against patriotic Tartars, he assisted them in name alone. Becoming the Papal Controller in 1481 as well, he asked for the excommunication of Poland, acknowledging the potential to be at war with them in the future, but doubting that such a thing would occur. Heinrich also began noting the use of artillery is other armies, and suggested that the Teutonic armies begin implementing them as well, but only in small amounts, due to their upkeep.
Heinrich was somewhat surprised, though, when Lithuania declared war on him in January on 1484, with Bohemia and Poland supporting them. Bohemia was, unsurprisingly, the toughest ask, which meant Heinrich decided to let them attack him, as the Teuton troops were (being Landsknechten) abler defender than attackers. Poland's offer of white peace was taken gladly, while another king was excommunicated at Heinrich's orders – this time, the king of England. Heinrich surprisingly declined Lithuania's offer of white peace in March of 1485, but soon decided he'd had enough, and settled for giving Lithuania very small reparations a month later.
Winning this war was beyond the Teutons' capabilities
Preparing for another Lithuanian attack, Heinrich began opening diplomatic ties with Austria, Hungary and Croatia, countries who would be able to check the power of Bohemia, and after much pushing secured an alliance with two of the three (not Hungary), with Austria bringing him into a war against England in 1487.
Austria looked like a good ally to have
Wars
3rd Muscovite Crusade of Mongol Khanate (1472-1473) – White peace
1st Teutonic-Swedish Excommunication War (1474-1476) – Teutonic victory, conquest of Finland, Halsingland and Dalaskogen
2nd Teutonic-Swedish Excommunication War (1481) – Teutonic victory, annexation of Sweden
1st Muscovite Conquest of Mongol Khanate (1481) – White peace
1st Lithuanian Reconquest of Rzhev against Teutonic Order (1484-1485)– Lithuanian victory, small reparations
1st Austrian-English Excommunication War (1487) – Unfinished