#stefan czarniecki in the battle of warka
The Battle of Warka
On this day, the 7th April, 1656
In 1655 began what has become known as the “Deluge”. This is the term used to describe the Swedish invasion and occupation of Polish Provinces in the before mention year. What began in 1655 was five years of desperation for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth against a European power
At Warburg on the 7th April, 1656 however a Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth army led by Stefan Czarniecki defeated a Swedish army under the command of Frederick VI, Margrave of Baden-Durlach. Warka began a momentum swing for the Commonwealth which was assisted by Austria joining the conflict on the side of the Commonwealth and by the start of the Dano-Swedish War in 1657.
On the 3rd May, 1660 the Treaty of Oliva was signed bringing to an end the Polish-Swedish War.
This small piece really does little to explain a period which was is in affect a very complex series of interweaving conflicts in which allegiances switch in an instant. The destruction wrought on Poland it has been said was more extensive than occurred in the Second World War. In fact if one reads the numbers on the level of destruction and theft which occurred by the hands of the Swedish troops, it becomes simply jaw-dropping. I would urge those interested to read up more on the subject, it really is fascinating and important.
The image used is entitled:
“Stefan Czarniecki in the Battle of Warka“ by Franciszek Smuglewicz and can be seen in the National Museum in Wroclaw, Poland.
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