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Study Guide: The Teutonic Order: History and Structure

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The Teutonic Order: History and Structure Study Guide

Founding and Early Mission (c. 1190-1230)

The Teutonic Order was founded in the 13th century as a purely religious institution.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Order was established around 1190, not in the 13th century, and initially functioned as a military order alongside its religious and charitable roles.

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The Teutonic Order's initial purpose included aiding Christian pilgrims and establishing hospitals in the Holy Land.

Answer: True

Explanation: From its inception, the Order was dedicated to serving Christian pilgrims and providing essential hospital services in the Holy Land, reflecting its early charitable and religious mission.

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German merchants from Hamburg and Berlin founded the precursor fraternity to the Teutonic Order in Acre in 1191.

Answer: False

Explanation: The precursor fraternity was established by German merchants from Bremen and Lübeck in Acre around 1190, not Hamburg and Berlin in 1191.

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The Teutonic Order was invited to Burzenland in Transylvania in 1211 by the Holy Roman Emperor.

Answer: False

Explanation: The invitation to Burzenland in 1211 came from Andrew II of Hungary, not the Holy Roman Emperor, as part of a strategy to secure the kingdom's borders.

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Which of the following was NOT an initial purpose of the Teutonic Order?

Answer: Negotiating peace treaties between European powers

Explanation: While the Order was founded to aid pilgrims and establish hospitals and served as a crusading military order, negotiating peace treaties between European powers was not among its initial core purposes.

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Who founded the field hospital in Acre in 1190 that became the nucleus of the Teutonic Order?

Answer: German merchants from Bremen and Lübeck.

Explanation: The nucleus of the Teutonic Order, a field hospital in Acre, was founded by German merchants from Bremen and Lübeck during the Siege of Acre in 1190.

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What was the primary reason Andrew II of Hungary invited the Teutonic Order to Burzenland in 1211?

Answer: To help defend the southeastern borders against the Cumans.

Explanation: Andrew II of Hungary invited the Teutonic Order to Burzenland in 1211 primarily to bolster the defense of the Kingdom of Hungary's southeastern borders against incursions by the Cumans.

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What event led to the expulsion of the Teutonic Knights from Transylvania in 1225?

Answer: King Andrew II's concern over their growing power and influence.

Explanation: King Andrew II of Hungary expelled the Teutonic Knights from Transylvania in 1225 due to concerns over their increasing autonomy and influence, which challenged royal authority and local ecclesiastical structures.

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What made the Hungarian nobility and clergy suspicious of the Teutonic Knights in Transylvania?

Answer: Their refusal to share lands and disregard for local bishops' demands.

Explanation: The Hungarian nobility and clergy grew suspicious of the Teutonic Knights due to their rapid territorial expansion and their refusal to share lands or acknowledge the demands of local bishops, fostering jealousy and distrust.

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Conquest and State Formation in Prussia and Livonia

Konrad I, Duke of Masovia, sought the Teutonic Knights' help primarily to combat Mongol invasions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Duke Konrad I sought the Knights' assistance not against Mongols, but to counter raids by the Old Prussians, particularly after his own Dobrzyń knights suffered defeat.

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The Teutonic Knights arrived in Prussia in 1230 with the objective of conquering and Christianizing the region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The arrival of the Teutonic Knights in Prussia in 1230 marked the commencement of a protracted campaign aimed at the conquest and Christianization of the region, often in conjunction with imperial and local Polish authorities.

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The Treaty of Kruszwica granted the Teutonic Order full sovereignty over all conquered Prussian lands.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Treaty of Kruszwica (1230) was significant for granting the Chełmno Land to the Order, it did not confer full sovereignty over all Prussian territories, which remained a complex issue.

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The State of the Teutonic Order was established solely from territories conquered in Livonia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary territorial basis for the State of the Teutonic Order was the land conquered in Prussia, not Livonia, although the Order did eventually incorporate Livonian territories.

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The Teutonic Order expanded into Livonia by defeating the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in battle.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Order's expansion into Livonia occurred through the incorporation of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in 1237, rather than through direct military defeat.

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The Golden Bull of Rimini confirmed the Teutonic Order's right to conquer and possess Prussia under the direct authority of the Pope.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Golden Bull of Rimini (1226) granted the Teutonic Order privileges for conquering and possessing Prussia, but this was under imperial authority and nominal papal sovereignty, not direct papal authority.

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The conquest of Prussia by the Teutonic Knights was a swift campaign lasting less than a decade.

Answer: False

Explanation: The conquest of Prussia was a protracted and arduous undertaking, spanning over fifty years of intense warfare and subjugation of the native population.

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Chronicles report that Prussians captured Teutonic Knights and forced them into service.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical chronicles describe brutal retaliations, including reports that Prussians captured Teutonic Knights and roasted them alive in their armor, rather than forcing them into service.

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Konrad I, Duke of Masovia, sought the Teutonic Knights' assistance primarily because:

Answer: His own Dobrzyń knights had been defeated by the Old Prussians.

Explanation: Duke Konrad I of Masovia sought the Teutonic Knights' assistance primarily because his own Dobrzyń knights had been defeated by the Old Prussians, leaving his territory vulnerable.

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The State of the Teutonic Order was primarily established from territories conquered in which region?

Answer: Prussia

Explanation: The formidable State of the Teutonic Order was primarily established from territories conquered in Prussia, following extensive campaigns against the native populations.

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How did the Teutonic Order incorporate Livonia into its territories?

Answer: Through the incorporation of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword.

Explanation: The Teutonic Order incorporated Livonia into its territories through the absorption of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in 1237, consolidating control over the region.

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The conquest of Prussia by the Teutonic Knights took approximately how long?

Answer: Over 50 years

Explanation: The extensive military campaigns required for the conquest of Prussia by the Teutonic Knights spanned over fifty years, from their arrival in 1230 until the effective subjugation of the region.

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According to chronicles, how did the Prussians reportedly treat captured Teutonic Knights?

Answer: They roasted them alive in their armor.

Explanation: Chronicles of the Order recount that the Prussians captured Teutonic Knights and subjected them to brutal fates, including reportedly roasting them alive in their armor.

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Expansion, Conflict, and Territorial Challenges

The Teutonic Order's land claims primarily challenged territories belonging to the Kingdom of Bohemia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Teutonic Order's territorial ambitions and conflicts primarily involved lands such as Pomerelia, Chełmno Land, and Kuyavia, which were historically associated with the Kingdom of Poland, rather than Bohemia.

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The Treaty of Kalisz in 1343 officially dissolved the Teutonic Order.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Treaty of Kalisz in 1343 was a significant peace agreement that ended open hostilities between the Teutonic Knights and Poland, but it did not lead to the dissolution of the Order.

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The Battle of Grunwald in 1410 resulted in a victory for the Teutonic Order against the Polish-Lithuanian forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Grunwald in 1410 was a catastrophic defeat for the Teutonic Order, marking a turning point in its military dominance against the allied Polish-Lithuanian forces.

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Heinrich von Plauen's defense of Marienburg prevented the immediate collapse of the Teutonic Order after the Battle of Grunwald.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the devastating defeat at Grunwald, Heinrich von Plauen's determined defense of the Order's capital, Marienburg, proved critical in preventing the immediate disintegration of the Teutonic state.

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The Hussite attacks had no significant impact on the Teutonic Order's bailiwick in Bohemia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hussite Wars posed a severe threat to the Teutonic Order's possessions in Bohemia, significantly imperiling the continued existence of its bailiwick in the region.

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Which of the following Polish lands was NOT explicitly mentioned as being challenged by the Teutonic Order's claims?

Answer: Greater Poland (Wielkopolska)

Explanation: While the Teutonic Order's claims challenged territories such as Chełmno Land, Pomerelia, and Kuyavia, Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) was not explicitly mentioned as being directly contested in the provided context.

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What was the primary outcome of the Battle of Grunwald in 1410 for the Teutonic Order?

Answer: A significant defeat that weakened their military power.

Explanation: The Battle of Grunwald in 1410 resulted in a decisive and devastating defeat for the Teutonic Order, significantly weakening its military power and initiating a period of decline.

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Which battle saw Prince Alexander Nevsky defeat the Teutonic Knights, halting their deep penetration into Novgorodian territory?

Answer: Battle of the Ice

Explanation: The Battle of the Ice in 1242, led by Prince Alexander Nevsky, resulted in a significant defeat for the Teutonic Knights, effectively halting their deep military incursions into Novgorodian lands.

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Administration, Structure, and Governance

The Hochmeister (Grand Master) was historically elected by the regional Landmeisters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hochmeister was historically elected by the Generalkapitel (General Chapter), which comprised representatives from across the Order, not solely by the regional Landmeisters.

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The Großegebietige were responsible for the smallest administrative units, known as Komtureien.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Großegebietige were high officers overseeing major branches of the Order's administration. The smallest administrative units were the Komtureien, each led by a Komtur.

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The Teutonic Order was divided into three national chapters: Prussia, Livonia, and the Holy Roman Empire, each led by a Landmeister.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Order was structured into major territorial divisions, including Prussia and Livonia, each headed by a Landmeister, alongside other significant administrative regions within the Holy Roman Empire.

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How were the Teutonic Order's scattered possessions administered after 1525?

Answer: Grouped into commanderies, bailiwicks, and subordinate to the Grand Master.

Explanation: Following the secularization of its Prussian lands, the Order's remaining scattered possessions were administered through a system of commanderies (Komtureien) and bailiwicks (Balleien), all subordinate to the Grand Master.

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Who was the highest officer of the Teutonic Order, holding the rank of a sovereign prince until 1525?

Answer: The Hochmeister (Grand Master)

Explanation: Until 1525, the Hochmeister (Grand Master) served as the supreme leader of the Teutonic Order, possessing the rank of a sovereign prince and ruling over the Order's ecclesiastical state.

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Which of the following was one of the five offices held by the Großegebietige (high officers) of the Teutonic Order?

Answer: Marschall (Marshal)

Explanation: Among the five principal offices held by the Großegebietige (high officers) of the Teutonic Order was the Marschall (Marshal), responsible for military affairs.

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Secularization, Decline, and Modern Era

The Prussian Confederation, founded in 1440, supported the Teutonic Order's continued rule in Prussia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to supporting the Order, the Prussian Confederation, established in 1440 by the Prussian estates, actively opposed the Teutonic Order's rule and eventually sought incorporation into the Kingdom of Poland.

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Following the Second Peace of Thorn in 1466, the Teutonic Order retained full control over Pomerelia and Chełmno Land.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Second Peace of Thorn (1466) resulted in the Teutonic Order ceding Pomerelia and Chełmno Land to Poland, significantly diminishing its territorial control.

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Grand Master Albert of Brandenburg secularized the Order's Prussian territories and became Duke of Prussia in 1525.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1525, Grand Master Albert of Brandenburg converted to Lutheranism, secularized the Order's Prussian territories, and established the Duchy of Prussia, becoming its first Duke and a vassal of the Polish Crown.

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The Nazi regime abolished the Teutonic Order in 1938 because Hitler believed Catholic orders were essential allies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Nazi regime abolished the Teutonic Order in 1938 and persecuted its members because Hitler and Himmler viewed Catholic religious orders, including the Teutonic Order, as instruments of the Holy See and threats to Nazi ideology.

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According to the source, when did the Teutonic Order transition to being purely religious?

Answer: 1810

Explanation: The Teutonic Order transitioned to being purely religious in 1810, marking a significant shift from its historical military and crusading activities.

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Where is the current seat of the Teutonic Order located?

Answer: Vienna

Explanation: The current seat of the Teutonic Order is located in Vienna, Austria, continuing its activities as a religious order focused on charitable works.

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The Protestant Bailiwick of Utrecht is described as being descended from the same medieval military order as the Catholic Teutonic Order, and it also engages in:

Answer: Awarding knighthoods and charitable work

Explanation: The Protestant Bailiwick of Utrecht, while sharing historical roots with the Catholic Teutonic Order, continues to engage in awarding honorary knighthoods and charitable work, mirroring aspects of its predecessor's legacy.

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What organization, founded in 1440 by gentry and burghers within the Teutonic Order's state, eventually rose up against the Order?

Answer: The Prussian Confederation

Explanation: The Prussian Confederation, established in 1440 by the Prussian gentry and burghers, emerged as a significant opposition force that challenged the Teutonic Order's authority and eventually sought Polish protection.

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What significant territorial concessions did the Teutonic Order make in the Second Peace of Thorn (1466)?

Answer: They renounced claims to Gdańsk/Eastern Pomerania and Chełmno Land.

Explanation: In the Second Peace of Thorn (1466), the Teutonic Order was compelled to cede significant territories, including Gdańsk/Eastern Pomerania and Chełmno Land, to the Kingdom of Poland, becoming a Polish fief.

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What major change occurred in the Teutonic Order's Prussian territories in 1525?

Answer: They were secularized by Grand Master Albert, becoming the Duchy of Prussia.

Explanation: In 1525, Grand Master Albert of Brandenburg converted to Lutheranism, secularized the Order's Prussian territories, and established the Duchy of Prussia, becoming its first Duke and a vassal of the Polish Crown.

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Under the new Rule introduced in 1929 and approved by Pope Pius XI, who was stipulated to lead the government of the Order?

Answer: A priest of the Order

Explanation: The Rule introduced in 1929 and approved by Pope Pius XI stipulated that the government of the Teutonic Order, including its provinces, would be led by priests, with women religious having women superiors.

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Identity, Terminology, and Symbols

The official Latin name of the Teutonic Order is 'Ordo domus Sanctae Mariae Theutonicorum Hierosolymitanum'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The full Latin designation, 'Ordo domus Sanctae Mariae Theutonicorum Hierosolymitanum,' accurately reflects the Order's identity and its historical connection to Jerusalem.

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The term 'Theutonic' in the Order's name signifies its origins in the region of modern-day France.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Theutonic' derives from the Latin word for German, indicating the Order's German roots and origins, not a connection to France.

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The motto of the Teutonic Order is 'Pro Deo et Patria' (For God and Country).

Answer: False

Explanation: The actual motto of the Teutonic Order is 'Helfen, Wehren, Heilen,' which translates to 'to help, to defend, to heal,' reflecting its historical mission and values.

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What is the official name of the Teutonic Order in Latin?

Answer: Ordo domus Sanctae Mariae Theutonicorum Hierosolymitanum

Explanation: The official Latin name of the Teutonic Order is 'Ordo domus Sanctae Mariae Theutonicorum Hierosolymitanum'.

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What does the Latin term 'Theutonicorum' signify regarding the Order's origins?

Answer: Its derivation from the Latin word for German, highlighting its German roots.

Explanation: The Latin term 'Theutonicorum' directly signifies the Order's German origins, derived from the Latin word 'Theutonicus,' meaning German.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a common German nickname for the Teutonic Order?

Answer: Deutscher Kreuzorden

Explanation: Common German nicknames for the Order include 'Deutscher Orden,' 'Deutschritterorden,' and 'Deutschherrenorden.' 'Deutscher Kreuzorden' is not listed as a common nickname in the provided context.

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In which language is the Teutonic Order referred to as 'Zakon Krzyżacki'?

Answer: Polish

Explanation: The term 'Zakon Krzyżacki' is the Polish designation for the Teutonic Order, translating to 'Order of the Cross'.

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What does the Teutonic Order's motto, 'Helfen, Wehren, Heilen,' translate to?

Answer: "To help, to defend, to heal"

Explanation: The Teutonic Order's motto, 'Helfen, Wehren, Heilen,' translates from German to English as 'to help, to defend, to heal,' encapsulating its core principles.

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