Family Tree of Polish & Lithuanian Monarchs

Overview

• Presenter: Matt Baker
• Topic: Family tree from Mieszko I to Stanisław August Poniatowski
• Chart Available at: UsefulCharts.com

Origins

• Legend of Lech, Czech, and Rus: Explains origins of Poland, Bohemia, Kyivan Rus.
• Slavic Division:
  • West Slavic: Poland, Czechia, Slovakia
  • East Slavic: Ukraine, Belarus, Russia
  • South Slavic: Bulgaria, countries from former Yugoslavia
• Lithuania: Non-Slavic, Baltic group

Polish History

• Lechians: Original tribes; term "pole" means "field" (from plains).
• First Dynasty - Piasts:
  • Siemowit: Legendary founder
  • Mieszko I: Unifier of Poland, converted to Christianity
  • Bolesław the Brave: First King of Poland, extended independence from Holy Roman Empire

Key Events

• Baptism of Poland: Christian conversion under Mieszko I.
• Fragmentation and Restoration:
  • Period of instability after Bolesław I
  • Casimir I the Restorer reunites Poland, moves capital to Kraków
• Jewish Migration: Under Władysław, Poland becomes refuge for Jews post-Crusade persecution.

Union with Lithuania

• Alliance with Lithuania: Began under Władysław I.
• Mindaugas: Lithuanian leader, dealt with Teutonic Order, resisted Christianization
• Union of Krewo: Jogaila (Władysław II) marries Jadwiga, leads to Christian conversion of Lithuania
• Jagiellonian Dynasty: Begins with descendants of Jogaila

Later Developments

• Sigismund I: Initiates Poland's Renaissance era.
• Union of Lublin (1569): Formation of Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.
• Elective Monarchy: Established after Sigismund II's heirless rule.

Decline

• Swedish Conflict: Loss of Swedish throne under Sigismund III.
• Decline in power: Began during Władysław IV and John II due to external pressures, cossack uprisings.
• Partitioning of Poland-Lithuania: By Russia, Prussia, and Austria in late 18th century.

Modern History and Potential Monarchy

• World War Outcomes:
  • Independence after WWI
  • Occupation in WWII
  • Post-WWII alignment with Soviet Union
• Post-Soviet Era:
  • Lithuania regains independence 1989
  • Poland establishes Third Republic
• Current Monarchical Claims:
  • Possible claimants for a re-established Polish throne include Prince Alexander and Prince Daniel.
  • Lithuania's potential royalty could include Prince Inigo of Urach.

Additional Resources

• Royal Family Tree Chart: Obtainable as a poster here

Conclusion

The family tree of Polish and Lithuanian monarchs reflects a complex history of division, alliances, and shifting political power across centuries.