Livonia's Shift to Polish Control After Defeat

The Livonian Order faced increasing internal strife due to disputes among cities, nobility, bishops, and the Order itself, which weakened its authority and control over the region. This instability was further exacerbated by external threats, notably the invasion by Tsar Ivan the Terrible of Russia, which marked the beginning of the Livonian War. The conflict drew in various regional powers and led to significant military engagements. The culmination of these hostilities resulted in the decisive defeat of the Livonian Order, which had been struggling to maintain its influence amidst the growing pressures from both internal factions and external aggressors. Following this defeat, the majority of Livonia transitioned to Polish-Lithuanian rule, indicating a shift in power dynamics in the region. Meanwhile, Tallinn and the northern Estonian nobility opted to pledge their loyalty to the Swedish king, further fragmenting the political landscape of Livonia and establishing new governance structures that would shape the future of the area.