Swedish Deluge (jan 1, 1655 – jan 1, 1660)

Description:

Carl X Gustav noticed the weakness of the Commonwealth, involved in wars in the East, and decided to take advantage of it. The use of the title of King of Sweden by Jan II Kazimierz Vasa served as a pretext.

1655 - Sweden invades from Livonia and Pomerania. Radziwiłłs in Lithuania (nowadays considered traitors in Poland and heroes in Lithuania) join a union with Sweden, revoking the 1569 Union of Lublin, while the territories of the Crown are subjugated within 4 months, barring a few strongholds, e.g. Gdańsk and Częstochowa. Jan II Kazimierz flees to Prussia.

The Swedish victory is initially welcomed by the Polish populace and magnates, who weren't very fond of the ruling king. However, when it turns out that the Swedes are after spoils, a guerrilla war ensues.

1656 - Sweden allies with Transylvania, Hohenzollerns of Brandenburg, Radziwiłłs and Kossacks with an intention to partition Poland. The plans were precluded by skilled leadership of the Polish army.

1657 - The international situation changes. Poland allies with the Reich and Denmark, while Brandenburg leaves the alliance with Sweden in return for gaining control over Prussia. As a result, a strong Prussian country was born, threatening the position of Poland.

1658 - Sweden in a critical situation, under pressure from the coalition.

1659 - Sweden defeated in Denmark. Stefan Czarniecki and his army play an important role.

1660, 3 May - Peace in Oliwa. The Commonwealth keeps all of its territory from before the conflict. Jan II Kazimierz relinquishes his claim to the Swedish crown.

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