Lithuanian Vytautus Didysis
born 1350, Lithuania
died Oct. 27, 1430, Trakai, Lith.
Lithuanian national leader.
Continuing a family struggle for control of Lithuania, he fought his cousin Władysław II Jagiełło but made peace in 1384. His popularity grew until Władysław was obliged to make him vice regent (1392), an office that allowed him to become effective ruler of Lithuania. He subdued rebellious nobles but was defeated by Mongol s in the east (1399). He and Władysław united Lithuania and Poland (1401) and waged war on the Teutonic Order , defeating them at the Battle of Tannenberg (1410). Vytautas was named king of Lithuania in 1429 but died before he could be crowned.