Conrad von Thüringen disturbed the Teutonic Knights' political equilibrium and began a new phase in their relationship with the papacy and the empire. Conrad's successors continually shifted their stance on this issue, drawing criticism on the brethren from all quarters and exacerbating internal divisions. The turbulence of the Teutonic Knights' relations with Christian rulers was aggravated further in the 1240s by a series of battlefield defeats: in the Latin East against the Egyptians and Khwarazmians, in Prussia and Livonia against the Rus and Pagans and in Poland against the Mongols. These stretched the brethren's resources beyond their capabilities, demonstrating the inherent weakness of their strategic dispositions.

To find the root of the problems faced by the Teutonic Order during this period, it necessary to look back at the policy of Herman von Salza. In c.1210, Herman had become master at a fortuitous moment. He had inherited a nucleus of knights who were bound to defend the Holy Land. The Latin East itself was frequently covered by truces. During these periods of peace, Herman had been free to engage his knights in other regions. In 1211, for example, the truce between John of Brienne and the Egyptians permitted Herman to use his troops to develop the Order's interests in Hungary for six years. Having achieved a degree of stability in that region, he and the king of Hungary then participated in the Fifth Crusade.