Early Polish Natural Rights Under Poland Lithuania
Early Polish Natural Rights Under Poland Lithuania
Kyle Dobry
History 100
Dr Geraghty
April 7, 2014 Pole, derives from a Slavic root meaning a field or a level place. This description of the location in which the Poles lives is accurate. Poland and its plains lie south of the Baltic Sea, north of Bohemia, sandwiched between Germany (or Prussia depending on the era) to the west and Russia to the east. Geography, specifically the lack of natural barriers, has often been blamed for Poland twice disappearing off the map in recent history.1 Poland has not always been on the verge of elimination in fact “Poland has had a longer and more successful history than most other European countries.”2 Poland experienced an “Era of Greatness” Under the Jagiellon Kings from The Fourteenth Century until the time of Sobeiski Poland experienced a period of peace allowed for the advancements in both the political and social fields3. During the time of the “Era of Greatness” Poland was thriving agriculturally. The vast plains, which made Poland vulnerable to land invasions, also allowed for the mass production of grains. Poland never had the need for large cities because of this. The Cities merely served as a market and governing seat. Due to the extended period of peace during this time Polish cities never received walls a barriers that are accustomed to the Middle Ages. This peace is due to the alliance Poland formed with Lithuania.4 At the Union of Krewo in 1385 Jadwiga of the Polish Jagiello Dynasty married the Lithuanian Prince Yagaylo, thus uniting the Polish Kingdom and the Duchy of Lithuania in what would come to be known as the “Republic of Two Nations”. For the next two centuries this Dual Monarchy continued in a personal union. Both nations were under the same king but however had separate governments5. With the exception of skirmishes with German Knights most of Poland’s issues during this time period were
Kyle Dobry
History 100
Dr Geraghty
April 7, 2014 Pole, derives from a Slavic root meaning a field or a level place. This description of the location in which the Poles lives is accurate. Poland and its plains lie south of the Baltic Sea, north of Bohemia, sandwiched between Germany (or Prussia depending on the era) to the west and Russia to the east. Geography, specifically the lack of natural barriers, has often been blamed for Poland twice disappearing off the map in recent history.1 Poland has not always been on the verge of elimination in fact “Poland has had a longer and more successful history than most other European countries.”2 Poland experienced an “Era of Greatness” Under the Jagiellon Kings from The Fourteenth Century until the time of Sobeiski Poland experienced a period of peace allowed for the advancements in both the political and social fields3. During the time of the “Era of Greatness” Poland was thriving agriculturally. The vast plains, which made Poland vulnerable to land invasions, also allowed for the mass production of grains. Poland never had the need for large cities because of this. The Cities merely served as a market and governing seat. Due to the extended period of peace during this time Polish cities never received walls a barriers that are accustomed to the Middle Ages. This peace is due to the alliance Poland formed with Lithuania.4 At the Union of Krewo in 1385 Jadwiga of the Polish Jagiello Dynasty married the Lithuanian Prince Yagaylo, thus uniting the Polish Kingdom and the Duchy of Lithuania in what would come to be known as the “Republic of Two Nations”. For the next two centuries this Dual Monarchy continued in a personal union. Both nations were under the same king but however had separate governments5. With the exception of skirmishes with German Knights most of Poland’s issues during this time period were