What are the common and what are the differences in the development of the states of Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages.

In the Middle Ages, the states of Eastern Europe were represented by Lithuania, the Novgorod and Pskov republics, Russian principalities, Poland, and Hungary.

Each of these state formations had its own history and development paths. Many of them have experienced a heyday and decline. And the development of all these states has a lot in common.

Reasons for developmental differences
Each state during its history is influenced by many factors. They slow down development or, conversely, make it faster. Such factors should be considered in more detail:

Benefits in geographic location. An important source of wealth and development is its convenient location. This means access to the sea or natural borders that can protect against enemies;
Availability of resources. Development is impossible without them. Therefore, countries that do not have resources are trying to seize countries that have these resources. And countries with resources seek to protect them from attacks;
Neighboring states. Neighbors are always potential enemies. Therefore, the presence of strong neighboring states means wars with them and the risk of losing their independence.
Features of the development of the countries of Eastern Europe
Speaking about the general factors and differences in the development of the states of Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages, one should consider such states separately.

Lithuania was a powerful state, remaining pagan until the end of the 14th century. At this time, Lithuania was united into one state in Poland. The territory of the new formation spread from the shores of the Baltic to the former Kievan Rus. Almost all of Belarus with Polotsk, Western Russia and the lands of the former principalities of Kiev and Chernigov became part of this state.

The abundance of natural resources and skilful government made the Polish-Lithuanian state one of the strongest in the Middle Ages.

Novgorod and Pskov remained independent until the early 16th century. These were the trading republics that maintained a strong connection with the Russian principalities. At the same time, they actively traded in German cities and grew rich.

The Russian principalities were going through a difficult period of struggle with the Golden Horde, as a result of which the Moscow state was created.