Tannenberg 1410: Disaster for the Teutonic Knights

The popular image of Teutonic knights is of them crashing into a lake of ice as brave Russian peasants watch on. Such is the continuing power of Eisenstadt's "Prince Nevsky." In reality, the battle of Lake Peipus was a rather small affair in the general history of the Teutonic knights drive to the East. Popular culture aside, the most important campaign in Tuetonic history is the one that reached its climax at the bloody battle of Tannenberg/Grunwald. If you are looking for the definitve history of the Teutonic knights or even the Tannenberg Campaign this is not the book for you. Osprey's Campaign series limit themselves to around 95 pages and a follow an illustration rich general formula. For this one, Osprey pulled their Japanese history expert from their stable of military history writers. Although he lacks any specialized knowledge of this history, Turnbull does a good job of going through the secondary sources and retelling a highly readable account of the campaign that led to the downfall of the Tuetonic Order. Osprey Campagin Series books are what they are. It is just nice to read one that is well written.

Tannenberg 1410: Disaster for the Teutonic Knights by Stephen Turnbull is a concise but interesting history of a little known part of European History that had little immediate importance, but significant long term effect. In 1410 the Teutonic Knights of Prussia invaded Polish territory with the intent of expanding their empire. The Poles, along with their Lithuanian allies and a contingent of Czech mercenaries were able to rout the Knights, killing their Grand Master. Because of indecisive moves the Polish/Lithuanian allies they were unable to take advantage of their decisive victory; however, the victory weakened the Knights to such an extent that they eventually became inconsequential in European affairs.In 96 pages, following the standard Ospery format, Turnbull concisely discusses the above in a well thought out and written manner. The book is well written and interesting to read. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants a taste of this part of European history.

July 15, 1410 is an important date in Polish history. For on this date, the Polish, Lithuanians, and hired Czech mercenaries won an epic battle against the Teutonic Knights. This battle is know as "Tannenburg" to the Germans, "Grunwald" to the Polish, and "Zalgiris" to the Lithuanians."Tannenburg 1410: Disaster for the Teutonic Knights" by Stephen Turnbull and illustrated by Richard Hook is a concise account of the origins of the campaign, the battle itself, and its aftermath. This volume has photographs of various castles, views of the battlefield, statues, and paintings. Various maps and illustrations are also included.In the 96 pages of this book, the reader is given a thorough overview of the events that lead up to this significant battle, how the battle unfolded, and the effects of the Polish/Lithuanian victory.

Thankfully, Osprey turned its Campaign series volume #122, Tannenberg 1410, over to Stephen Turnbull, rather than its household medieval specialist, Dr. David Nicolle. Turnbull, who is well known for his earlier works on Japanese Samurai, is able to deliver passion and humanity into his historical narrative, unlike the erudite but dull Nicolle. While Tannenberg might not have been one of the most critical battles in history, it was the kind of battle that created legends and historical traditions that greatly influenced future German-Slav relations. Turnbull's telling of this classic battle between the Polish-Lithuanian allies and the German Teutonic knights is first rate. Tannenberg 1410 follows the standard Osprey Campaign series progression from introduction, through chronology, opposing commanders, opposing armies and opposing plans. The campaign narrative itself is 49 pages long. The aftermath section is fairly long at 12 pages, since the war continued for decades after Tannenberg. Turnbull uses five 2-D maps (Eastern Europe 1386, castles of the Teutonic order, the Polish invasion of Prussia, Kauernick to Tannenberg, Eastern Europe 1466) and three 3-D Birds Eye View maps on the Battle of Tannenberg itself. The three battle scenes by artist Richard Hook are quite good: the confrontation at the Kauernick ford, the Lithuanian charge, and the death of the Grand Master. Turnbull also provides notes on sources used and a visit to the modern-day battlefield. The Teutonic Knights are rich in imagery, clad in white tunics with black crosses, ravaging Eastern Europe with fire and sword for generations. Although the Order, as it was called, was primarily German in origin, Turnbull notes that the organization was open to "guest crusaders." Indeed, the future English King Henry IV went in 1392 and brought many archers with him. Although the crusades in Eastern Europe were cast as a religious struggle of Christian knights against Pagans, the real motives were land and power. Turnbull notes that this hidden agenda was revealed in 1386 when the "conversion of Lithuania removed any justification for the continuance of the Teutonic Knights' aggressive expansion into Lithuania under the banner of a 'crusade'. The Order, however, had no intention of giving up the struggle." The pogroms and land-grabs by the Order in Eastern Europe might be viewed as the first instance of a Lebensraum tradition. Unfortunately for the Order, the marriage of Jadwiga and Jagiello led to a formal military alliance in 1401 between Poland and Lithuania, creating a major Slav alliance. Turnbull mentions the critical role of diplomacy and money in securing allies or inhibiting foes (Muscovy, Hungary, Bohemia, Moldavia), which demonstrates the complexity of this conflict. In August 1409, the Teutonic Knights declared war on Poland after making spurious claims against Polish Christianity (due to the presence of small numbers of Tartars in southern Poland, the Order claimed