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Polish–Swedish War
Part of the Polish–Swedish War of 1600–1629 and Thirty Years War

Battle of Trzciana by Józef Brandt
Date1626–1629
Location
Baltic Sea, Prussia, Latvia, Poland
Result Swedish victory
(Truce of Altmark)
Territorial
changes
Belligerents
Swedish Empire Swedish Empire Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Poland-Lithuania
 Holy Roman Empire
Commanders and leaders
Swedish Empire Gustavus Adolphus
Swedish Empire Axel Oxenstierna
Swedish Empire Herman Wrangel
Swedish Empire Jacob De la Gardie
Swedish Empire Gustav Horn
Swedish Empire Jindřich Matyáš Thurn		 Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Sigismund III Vasa
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Stanisław Koniecpolski
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Aleksander Gosiewski
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Jan Stanisław Sapieha
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Lew Sapieha
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Stanisław Potocki
Holy Roman Empire Hans Georg von Arnim-Boitzenburg

The Polish–Swedish War of 1626–1629 occured between the Swedish Empire led by King Gustavus Adolphus against the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth led by Sigismund III Vasa and the Holy Roman Empire led by Hans Georg von Arnim-Boitzenburg. It ended with a Swedish victory.

The Swedish attack on Pomerania (1626)

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Successes of the Swedes

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Following his rapid successes in Livonia over the Lithuanian army, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden decided to concentrate his efforts on Pomerania.[1] His ambition was to capture Gdańsk, which could bring significant revenue and strategic advantages to Sweden.[1] In addition, Gustavus Adolphus sought to force the Polish-Lithuanian king Sigismund III Vasa to waive the Swedish throne.[2] On 6 July 1626 the Swedish king sent a fleet of 125 warships and 14,000 soldiers to land in Piława.[3][4][5] The Swedes quickly captured Braniewo,[6] afterwards doing the same with Frombork and Tolkmicko.[7] They continued their march towards Elbląg, capturing the towns of Tczew, Gniew and Starogard on the way.[3] At the same time, a landing was made on Puck, which was captured without much resistance. On 14 September 1626, the Swedes also captured the fortress at Gdańsk Head, continuing their progress in the region.[7][8]

After the victories, Gdańsk became a key target for Gustavus Adolphus.[9] The city was responsible for 80 per cent of the Polish—Lithuanian Commonwealth's revenue, which translated into more than 5.5 million thalers.[2] Gdansk was also strategically important because of its role in the European division of labour.[2] Gdańsk merchants skillfully exploited the fact that western Europe, moving to a capitalist mode of production, was developing industry, while the eastern, feudal part of the continent was supplying food and raw materials. Taking over Gdańsk could have brought the Swedes major revenue, as the city was a key trading point and supplier of raw materials to wealthy Western cities.[2] The Gdańsk crew numbered more than 200 at this time. The citizens of Gdańsk were offered the option to surrender by Gustavus Adolphus, but refused.[9]

At the time of the Swedish campaign in 1626, Gdańsk was surrounded on three sides by modern bastion fortifications.[10] However, from the east, where the Swedes were coming from, the city had no fortifications. Despite this, it decided to defend itself.[10] In response to the imminent threat, a militia was called into service, 5,000 soldiers were enlisted from abroad and modern weapons were purchased from other countries.[5][10] The citizens in Gdańsk defended themselves on the section to the east, using a stone flood barrier that stretched along the left bank of the Vistula from Gdańsk to Tczew. The summer surge of water in the Vistula enabled them to open the sluices and flood the Zulawy of Gdańsk, which blocked the Swedes' access to the city for several weeks. During this time, the people of Gdańsk and a small number of crown forces began to build fortifications in the threatened section.[10] Gdańsk troops and crown forces blocked the exits of Tczew and Gniew and defended the Vistula crossings, preparing for further resistance to the approaching Swedes.[10]

Political situation in Poland and Lithuania

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Map of Prussia before it gave its name to the state of Prussia, printed by Willem Blaeu in 1645. The original woodcuts were printed in Elbląg (at that time Elbing) in 1576 by Caspar Henneberg von Erlich (1529 - 1600).
 
Portrait of Sigismund III Vasa

After Gustavus Adolphus landed in Prussia, the Polish—Lithuanian government, although not initially surprised, was deeply concerned about the rapid successes of the Swedes.[10] It was feared that the rapid advances of Gustavus Adolphus' army might prompt other enemies of the Commonwealth, such as the Transylvanian Prince Bethlen Gábor, seeking revenge for the actions of the Lisowczyks, Turks and Tartars, Moscow during the Time of Troubles, and the German Protestant Count Ernest von Mansfeld, who was waging war in Silesia, to attack Poland.[10] The internal situation of the Commonwealth was equally difficult.[10] The nobility's support for King Sigismund III was uncertain, and many opposition leaders, such as Krzysztof II Radziwiłł, Princes Jerzy and Krzysztof Zbarascy, Kyiv voivode Tomasz Zamoyski and Bełz voivode Rafał Leszczyński, refused financial support and sought to overthrow the monarch. Even the king's son, Prince Władysław, did not inspire complete confidence.[10] The king feared that too rapid of a victory over his army might strengthen the Swedes in Pomerania, leading to delays in military action.[10]

Over time, the situation began to improve for the Commonwealth. Potential external enemies, apart from the Tatars, did not attack the borders, which reduced the pressure on the Poland.[11] In addition, the nobility enthusiastically welcomed the decision for a general expedition against Gustavus Adolphus. The loss of Livonia, which was seen as the 'eye of the Republic', triggered strong patriotic feelings. The nobility, feeling guilt towards the king and determined to defend the homeland, united in battle.[12] The united attitude of the nobility influenced King Sigismund III, who regained his energy and youthful enthusiasm for action. His enthusiasm was also passed on to his soldiers, who began to mobilise with determination.[12] Despite their initial disregard for the enemy, the Poles understood the seriousness of the situation, and determination to defend the homeland increased.[12] The Commonwealth began to successfully counter the Swedish invasion, changing the course of the war.[12]

Counter-offensive by Crown forces and Battle of Gniew (1626)

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Lisowczyks during the exercise
 
Stanisław Koniecpolski

At the beginning of September 1626, around 7,000 Polish troops,[13][14] including court troops and a common army, had gathered near Toruń.[15] However, there was a shortage of quartered troops to guard the southern borderlands against the Tartars.[16] Sigismund III, fearing that the Swedes might close in their fortresses, decided to move along the Vistula towards Gniew, hoping to force Gustavus Adolphus into an open field battle.[16] The Polish army went first to Grudziądz, where it joined with the troops of the Pomeranian voivode Melchior Weyher, and then took Gniew, where the Swedes had only a weak garrison.[16][14]

A regiment of Lisowczyks recognised the Swedish forces at Gdańsk and Puck.[14] Gustavus Adolphus, initially planning to attack Gdańsk, changed his plans and moved in relief against the Poles.[17] His army, numbering 1,700 cavalry, 8150 infantry and 74 guns, had an advantage in firepower, while the Polish forces at Gniew numbered 6780 cavalry, 4430 infantry and 20 guns. The Poles had a varied quality of their units, which affected combat effectiveness.[17] On hearing of the approach of the Swedes, King Sigismund III broke the siege of Gniew and moved against them.[18] Gustavus Adolphus, trying to break through to Gniew along the Vistula, was discovered by Polish light cavalry.[19] Although the Poles tried to draw the Swedes into a trap, they were repulsed by heavy Swedish fire. The Battle of Gniew, which lasted from 22 September to 1 October ended in a decisive defeat for the Poles. Despite initial success, the superiority of Swedish infantry and artillery fire, and the effectiveness of Gustavus Adolphus, determined the victory of the Swedes. The Poles, despite their courage, were unable to counter the enemies firepower.[19]

On 1 October 1626, after their defeat at Gniew, the Poles went on the defensive.[20] Swedish attempts to attack along the Vistula embankment and the landing at Gniew were unsuccessful.[20] Gustavus Adolphus concentrated on capturing the hill occupied by the Polish cavalry. After initial success, however, the Swedes were forced to retreat due to heavy Polish fire. Confusion amongst the Polish ranks enabled the Swedes to retake the hill. The Poles lost 500 men and many horses.[20] The battle revealed that the Polish cavalry could no longer effectively attack the fortified Swedish infantry.[20] After the battle, Sigismund III moved to Czarlin, where he organised a fortified camp and defended access to Gdańsk.[21] The Gdańsk citiziens manned the crossings on the Vistula, and the Swedes were blockaded on the Zulawy. Gustavus Adolphus returned to Sweden, and Axel Oxenstierna took command in Prussia. On 21 October, Hetman Stanisław Koniecpolski arrived in the Polish camp with new troops, which improved the situation for the Poles, with Sigismund also leaving his troops.[20][22]

Resumption of operations in Livonia

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Portrait of count Jacob de la Gardie

The transfer of the main theatre of warfare to Prussia had a significant impact on the conflict in Livonia, making this region less important. After the Battle of Bovsk, a three-month ceasefire was concluded there, which was to last until 15 June 1626.[23] The Lithuanian troops were divided between Radziwiłł's and Sapieha's armies, and in June the Radziwiłł division was headed by the Smolensk voivode, Aleksander Gosiewski.[23] Taking advantage of the weakening of the Swedish forces, who had sent most of their troops to Prussia, Gosiewski began active operations against enemy troops defending castles and making looting expeditions, achieving a number of successes in skirmishes on the open field. Emboldened by his successes, Gosiewski summoned the new Swedish commander in Inflants, General Jacub de la Gardie, residing in Mitava, to a battle.[23] Jacob De la Gardie, however, politely declined, saying that he would take action when the time was more appropriate. The Lithuanians did, however, manage to draw a sizable Swedish detachment into an ambush near Mitava, which was smashed, causing them to lose 130 soldiers. They also regained several small castles in Livonia.[23]

 
Map of Livonia from the 17th century

Shortly afterwards, at Wenden, Colonel Samuel Pac attacked Colonel Gustav Homa's troops, but was repulsed and had to turn back to his camp.[23] The September setbacks weakened the morale of the Lithuanian troops, who had long unsuccessfully demanded payment of their outstanding pay. Both sides therefore entered into negotiations, interrupted by sporadic fighting.[23] On 3 December, the Swedes drew the Lithuanians into an ambush near Wenden, forcing them into battle in a very unfavourable terrain for the operations of the cavalry. The Lithuanians suffered significant losses and had to retreat beyond the Daugava River, losing around 400 dead and 40 prisoners.[23] As a result of this defeat, the Lithuanians lost their recently captured castles and agreed to a truce, concluded on 19 January at Baldenmojza, which was to remain in force until 11 June 1627.[23]

Swedish defeats (1627)

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Activities at the beginning of the year

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After taking command in Prussia, Stanisław Koniecpolski immediately exploited the qualities of Polish cavalry and the tactics learnt in the battles against the Tartars.[24] The Swedish army, composed mainly of infantry, was taken by surprise by rapid cavalry raids that struck at their lines of communication and supply bases.[24] The effect of these actions was so effective that a terrified Oxenstierna called for help from Gustavus Adolphus, thinking he was dealing with a 20,000-strong Polish army.[25] In the winter of 1626/1627, the situation of the Crown army in Prussia worsened.[25] The storming of Puck failed, there was a peasant revolt in Żuławy, and disease and famine were rife in the army.[25] The Swedes also suffered from the harsh winter, losing considerable strength. In the spring of 1627, only 8,000-9,000 Crown troops and 4,000-5,000 Gdańsk soldiers stood against 15,000-17,000 Swedes.[26] In March, Koniecpolski learnt of the incursion of the German invaders into the lands of the neutral Duchy of Pomerania and decided to defend himself on two fronts: on the Lębork-Człuchów line against Teuffel and Streiff and on the Vistula line against Oxenstierna. He moved his camp to Starogard and Skarszewo, leaving a group of cavalry under Colonel Paweł Czarniecki in the old fortifications.[26]

Victory of the crown forces at Hammerstein

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References

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  1. ^ a b Podhorecki 1985, p. 104.
  2. ^ a b c d Podhorecki 1985, p. 105.
  3. ^ a b Hundert, Zójdź & Sowa 2015, p. 114.
  4. ^ Górski 1888, p. 60.
  5. ^ a b Teodorczyk, p. 73.
  6. ^ Podhorecki 1985, p. 107.
  7. ^ a b Podhorecki 1985, p. 108.
  8. ^ Hundert, Zójdź & Sowa 2015, p. 115.
  9. ^ a b Górski 1888, p. 63.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Podhorecki 1985, p. 109.
  11. ^ Podhorecki 1985, p. 110.
  12. ^ a b c d Podhorecki 1985, p. 110—111.
  13. ^ Teodorczyk, p. 78.
  14. ^ a b c Podhorecki 1985, p. 111.
  15. ^ Teodorczyk, p. 75.
  16. ^ a b c Teodorczyk, p. 76.
  17. ^ a b Podhorecki 1985, p. 112.
  18. ^ Teodorczyk, p. 91.
  19. ^ a b Podhorecki 1985, p. 112—114.
  20. ^ a b c d e Podhorecki 1985, p. 115.
  21. ^ Górski 1888, p. 68.
  22. ^ Górski 1888, p. 70.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h Podhorecki 1985, p. 116.
  24. ^ a b Podhorecki 1985, p. 117.
  25. ^ a b c Podhorecki 1985, p. 118.
  26. ^ a b Podhorecki 1985, p. 120.

Bibliography

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  • Frost, Robert I. (2000). The Northern Wars 1558–1721. British library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data. ISBN 0-582-06430-9.
  • Górski, Konstanty (1888). Wojna Rzeczypospolitej ze Szwecją od 1626 do 1629 (in Polish). Biblioteka Warszawska.
  • Hundert, Zbigniew; Zójdź, Karol; Sowa, Jan, Jerzy (2015). Studia nad Staropolską sztuką wojenną (in Polish). Oświęcim: Wydawnictwo NapoleonV. ISBN 978-83-7889-375-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Jasienica, Paweł (1985). Rzeczpospolita Obojga Narodów. Srebrny Wiek (in Polish). Warszawa: Państwowy Instytut Wydawniczy. ISBN 83-06-01093-0.
  • Koczorowski, Eugeniusz (1976). Bitwa pod Oliwą (in Polish). Gdańsk: Wydawnictwo Morskie.
  • Podhorecki, Leszek (1985). Rapier i Koncerz (in Polish). Warszawa: Książka i Wiedza. ISBN 830511452X. OCLC 176976102.
  • Podhorecki, Leszek (1998). Stefan Czarniecki (in Polish). Książka i Wiedza. ISBN 978-83-86170-36-4.
  • PodhoreckiA1, Leszek (1985). Wazowie w Polsce (in Polish). Warszawa: Ludowa Spółdzielnia Wydawnicza. ISBN 83-205-3639-1. OCLC 830182542.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  • Roberts, Michael (1958). Gustavus Adolphus: 1626-1632 (in Swedish). Longmans, Green.
  • Sikora, Radosław (2005). Wojskowość polska w dobie wojny polsko-szwedzkiej 1626-1629. Kryzys mocarstwa (in Polish). Poznań: Wydawnictwo Sorus. ISBN 83-89949-09-1.
  • Skworoda, Paweł (2006). Hammerstein 1627 (in Polish). Bellona. ISBN 8311103240.
  • Sundberg, Ulf (2002). Svenska krig 1521-1814 (in Swedish). Stockholm: Hjalmarson & Högberg. ISBN 9789189080140.
  • Teodorczyk, Jerzy (1960). Wyprawa szwedzka z Meklemburgii do Prus Królewskich 1627 r t. VI (in Polish).
  • Teodorczyk, Jerzy. Bitwa pod Gniewem 1626 (in Polish).
  • Wisner, Henryk (1970). Wojna inflancka 1625-1629 (in Polish). „Studia i Materiały do Historii Wojskowości”.
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