Swedish throne and quest for personal realm
Swedish problem
Swedish problem for Władysław did not exist (personally – so claims author of his biography). His father always had Swedish refugees around him, people loyal to him and who left Sweden with him, Swedish catholics, very hard prosecuted after fall of Zygmunt reign (in order to make his return impossible, Swedish Diet set death penalty for catholic nobles, priests and for any possible attempts of conversion and forbade Polish line of Vasas to rule in Sweden) and of course rebels and exiles escaping before Karl and Gustav rule. In fact Zygmunt had his Swedish court and cared about his Swedes, cared that Swedish refugees did not dissolve among Commonwealth nobles. Władysław did not know Sweden, did not want to know Sweden. Władysław was born and brought up in Poland and on his coronation Sejm gave indygenat to some Swedish refugees (indygenat: Polish word coming from Latin: giving Polish nobility to foreign nobles, at the beginning king and Sejms could do so, since 1607 only Sejm). All Władysław did had one aim: to give him, later his brother and descendants their own realm, hereditary country of Waza (Vasa) dynasty (meaning his (or his brother) Vasa dynasty and not that other Vasa dynasty).
Ducal Prussia
In 1626, during Sejm in Warszawa, some nobles were talking that he will apply for giving him Ducal Prussia (Elector Frederic Wilhelm was suspected of signing an anti-Commonwealth pact with Gustav Adolph, and treason would be punished by taking away duchy). Well, indeed some behavior of Elector or his representatives during this war was strange. e.g. Piława opened its gates without problems (somebody's treason, but officer or someone higher?) and later Electors army allowed himself to be surrounded by Swedish troops, capitulated and was incorporated into Swedish army!! (He, he, a neat trick, Prussian did the same with Saxon army in 1756) Later during preparations for a war in 1635 Władysław de-facto took control over duchy and increased his influence. During winter royal troops entered Ducal Prussian, in spring king officially took over responsibility for dukedom's defense and set his own governor Jezry Ossoliński (very able) in July. But duchy returned to Brandenburg Elector when a new armistice with Sweden was signed. Terms of that armistice allowed Commonwealth to collect taxes in ALL Prussia and Couland port cities. According to terms of armistice from 1629 it were Swedes who collected taxes from Prussian ports and also were receiving 3.5% of 5.5% of Gdansk taxes. This taxation of Commonwealth export gave Sweden 1/3 of its budget! Citizens of Gdańsk asked (in fact demanded invoking their privileges) that he lifted taxes and offered him personal “bribe” of 500000 złoty. Angry Władysław cited another terms of privilegs, threatened to close port and demanded oath of faithfulness from commander of Wisłoujście fortress and control over this fortress. Gdańsk increased bribe to 800000 złoty and Władysław accepted it (however got only part in cash, rest was exchanged for a Commonwealth debt in Gdańsk. Other cities also bribed out themselves from paying taxes. In 1635 king transformed also his naval fleet into merchant one (see other post) but Gdansk Patricians did not exempt him from their taxes :). In 1637 Sejm returned to matter of maritime taxes (matter brought up by Andrzej Koryciński but inspired by Jerzy Osoliński) and allowed Władysław to set such taxes it in all port cities of Royal Prussia and Polish vassals, however not breaking privileges of local nobles and cities. Władysław gave task of collecting taxes to Arend Spiring. Gdańsk and other cities of course protested sending letters to foreign monarch, Prussian and Lithuanian nobles that their freedoms are being breaking. Gdańsk Patricians forbid ships which paid tax to enter port, in Ducal Prussia port authorities in Piława and Kłajpeda did not allow to collect taxes and expelled members of Spiring family. One of strong backers of Władysław in this project was Lithuanian hetman Krzysztof Radziwiłł, however even he was proposing to reformulate terms, that taxes will come to State coffers (Crown and Lithuanian) not to royal, that this taxes will ease taxing of nobles (thus gaining their gratitude and support). Władysław was trying to convince patricians that their freedom was not threatened (well freedom maybe not, but purse yes) but they did not change their mind. In 1637 naval squadron of Danish king Christian IV forced way into port and brought in a few dozens of merchant ships. In 1638 and 1639 it was Swedish fleet which was “guarding free trade” (they did not want to allow to strengthen Commonwealth, especially on Baltic See, which was viewed as their private playground, they were supposed to gain financial gains from trade, not others – this happens all over the world even now). Even court was assembled to decide in this matter. Sejm in 1638 attacked French envoy Charles d'Avagour for criticizing king's decision but remained silent about foreign interventions within Commonwealth. Next Sejm in 1639 did not decide anything as well, also because of Jerzy Ossoliński, who allowed Elector to pursuit and punish Crown citizens who raided Ducal Prussia and changed Sejm into squabbling among nobles (when such raiders, other nobles, were caught, but in their own houses, which exceeded letter of agreement). Brandenburg Elector, seeking guarantees that his son will inherit dukedom, agreed to tax Ducal Prussia ports but only for two years (agreement in Köpenick in June 1638). In return, Polish king, who's influence in Ducal Prussia was based on opposition of local nobles and cities against Elector, agreed to confirm all privileges of duke and gave him free hand in dukedom (in fact resigned his own rights). Lack of determination, some side affairs and thinking about own coffer instead of state decided that the possibility to tie stronger Ducal Prussia, curb Gdańsk and to stabilize and cure budget of state was lost.
There exists a letter to Ferdinand II signed by prince Władysław and his three brothers in 1632 (before election). Władysław is ready to give Polish crown to his younger brother in exchange for Swedish crown, and will accept Emperor's promise that after Gustav Adolph death he or one of his brother will get Swedish crown. Right now he would like to get Inflanty (Livonia) and Estonia or Finland from Swedish king and is asking Emperor for hand of archduchess and Württemberg dukedom, Pomeranian dukedom for prince Aleksander Karol, bishopric of (kamienieckie - Kamień Pomorski? - in Pomerania dukedom) for prince Karol Ferdynand and bishopric of Ołomuniec (in Moravia) for prince Jan Olbracht. They wrote about friendship and help ...
hmm ... did he fall from the Moon? Ferdinand was his uncle, but never known from his adoration for nephew. Noncommittal response has date of 30th June 1632.
Sweden – the second chance (after Gustav death of Adolph)
In the same time Władysław was trying to increase his support for Commonwealth throne. On 25th of May 1632 Stanisław Kurosz in his latter to Lithuanian hetman Krzysztof Radziwiłł writes that Władysław is ready to resign his rights to Swedish throne if Gustav Adolph will resign from election and return occupied terrains in Prussia and Inflanty (Livonia). Fact that Władysław contacted Gustav Adolph when election result was in fact settled in August 1632 signify his request of material compensation for his rights. (just guessing, Gustav Adolph, victorious on so many battlefields, was not interested in giving away what he hold in his hands)
Władysław returned to Swedish problem after death of Gustav Adolph, in times of partial lack of Swedish king. Many in his times thought that “he would earlier resign of Holy Kingdom, than of Swedish one”, but he just wanted to rule country which would be a tool in his hands (and not the opposite). And Sweden was the closest (legally speaking). Janusz Radziwiłł wrote in his letter (to his father Krzysztof) on 30th of June 1635, that Władysław would agree on marriage between his brother Jan Kazimierz and Gustav Adolph's daughter Cristine and on education and brought up of his son in Sweden “with Swedish religion, culture and language” in return asking that law forbidding rule of Polish Vasas in Sweden (Riksdag passed it once again after rising of Władysław IV on throne on 14th of March 1633) and precedence of his offspring over that of Jan Kazimierz and Cristine to Swedish throne. He tried to solve it by mediations, two and multi-sided treaties and when it failed by war. When nobles refused to fight in 1635, he made during late 1630-ties and 1640-ties at least two or three border provocations – sending Habsburg mercenaries. In 1647 he also tried provocations against Khanate of Crimea, but those failed because of civil war on Crimea and lack of sultan agreement – more will be below or in section about Chmielnicki uprising.
Problem of mediations will appear in king's talks and letters during next years. (well, he was a dreamer) in talks with Emperor envoys Maciej Arnoldin a Clarstein and Juliusz Mörsberg during election in 1632 Władysław declares his will to pacify Europe. In his letter, which Piotr Gembicki brought to Emperor in 1633, Władysław writes that after death of Gustav Adolph and signing peace between European rulers Sweden will be ready to accept new king, and he as a mediator and having rights to this throne would fit perfectly.
Other realms
In 1634, during peace talks with tsar representatives Władysław proposed to resign from his tsar title in exchange for some lands. Polish representatives (and other high officials) were not happy because such a duchy would in future cause problems (they did not want to give monarch lands along border). Later Władysław resigned from this idea hoping to gain Muscovy support for a war with Sweden (during “Time of Troubles” Smuta Sweden took some lands from Muscovy) and got only money as a compensation. However nothing was signed, and when Władysław asked Muscovy for cooperation in 1635, tsar said that he has already signed/prolongated treaty with Sweden and can not break it (bah, they could break treaty with Commonwealth, but it is just politics).
Sweden again
About preparation for war, mediations and armistice with Sweden in Sztumska Wieś (Stumsdorf) in 1635 I will write later (and in other place). Some of documents concerning naval matters are available here. Generally, Władysław was seeking help from both France and Habsburgs. During negotiations Swedes were backed by representatives of France and Netherlands and Commonwealth by representatives of England and Brandenburg. Dynastic matters, matters of throne, Władysław's title, compensations etc. were left unsolved, Swedes returned terrains in Prussia, kept in Inflanty (Livonia) in return for 26 years of armistice. It was Władysław's personal failure, force argument has been eliminated from any future negotiations, magnates left him without Commonwealth's support. And something significant: Władysław did not refuse to sign agreement even when some advised him to stall until Sejm will end and disperse without passing anything/confirm new treaty. Władysław signed treaty on 14th of September 1635. Janusz Radziwiłł wrote in his letters that Władysław was regretting this decision later.
Silesia – first time
In 1634 French representative, (kanonik warmiński – church official of middle rank of Warmia) Dominik Roncalli offered Władysław one of French princesses (and closer cooperation of course). On 15th of September 1635, French envoy for armistice talks, Claude d'Avaux wrote to Ludwik XIII that Władysław IV did agree for moving Swedish troops to Silesia through Crown lands (meaning Poland). To keep appearances (before Ferdinand but more importantly before Commonwealth) those troops would be “relieved from service” (he, he, nice talk).
Władysław was courting both France and Habsburgs in 1633 and 1634, hoping to gain their support to get empty Swedish throne. It seems that Władysław did not want to have deeper relationships with Habsburgs at least at thet time (maybe was also pissed on Habsburgs?).
One can add that Claude d'Avaux was authorized by Ludwik XIII (document signed on 11th of August 1635) to starts talks with Władysław. In return for starting war against Habsburgs, Ludwik XIII promised not to sign peace with them until Władysław territorial claims would be satisfied (Silesia). Is ready to support Władysław efforts in his attempts to become Emperor of Holy Roman Empire, if Władysław will decide to do so. Proposed also French princess and two names were listed: Maria Gonzaga and Anna-Genevieve de Bourbon. (Richelieu! Richelieu! viva la Richelieu! in 1635 Swedes were after a few defeats and Saxon and Brandenburg rulers closed to Emperor so help needed).
In 1635 d'Avaux proposed subsidy of 3000000 lires, French princes and Silesia in exchange for 20000 troops (and attack on Habsburgs in Silesia and Bohemia under probably Krzysztof Radziwiłł – Calvinist, so not pro-Habsburg). Władysław stalled a little and then answered that French proposal was late, since most of troops gathered for war with Sweden were already dismissed (well, France did not support his attempts to regain Swedish throne).
Sweden last time
When Władysław signed “family” treaty with Habsburgs (about friendship and help) in 1637 he emphasized his rights to Swedish crown, in 1642, when Cristine finished 16 years he returned to his project of her marriage with Jan Kazimierz, but without conviction.
Courland and Pomeranian fiefs – for his brother
Władysław (or Jan Kazimierz with his support) tried to got an agreement that Jan Kazimierz would inherit Kurlandia (Courland) in case of childless death of its duke Fryderyk Kettler. In 1637 Jan Kazimierz started to gather support of magnates and local diets (sejmiki) saying that after childless death of duke Commonwealth will have to decide future status of Courland and was ready to accept any terms. In the same time, after death of Bogusław XIV, duke of Pomerania (10th of March 1637), Jan Kazimierz was trying to receive lands the latter one was holding as a fiefs from Commonwealth. Unfortunately for them, nobility was reluctant to strengthen ruling house and did not want to provoke problems with Swedes since Courland had border with hold in Swedish hands Livonia. Bytów and Lembork were incorporated very quickly by Sejm in June 1637. Another Sejm in 1641 agreed that Jan Kazimierz can obtained lands but inside rown or Lithuania and not along borders. Future of Courland was decided by king, who after death of Fryderyk and probably without hopes that Jan Kazimierz will obtain dukedom, without any consultation, in spite nobles and magnates, accepted, without any new terms, as a vassal relative (from different line) of dead duke in 1639.
Ferdinand II proposal of marriage between Władysław and archduchess Cecylia Renata arrived in Warszawa during spring 1636. In addition to dowry, son of Władysław and Cecylia Renata had to obtain (księstwo opolsko-raciborskie) duchy of Opole and Racibórz (in Silesia). However before everything was confirmed and signed Ferdinand II died and Ferdinand III backed from giving Silesian duchy to son of Władysław. More below.
In 1638 Władysław proposed that still not paid dowries of his mother, her sister and second wife of Zygmunt III and his wife would be protected by one of Silesian duches (preferably opolsko-raciborskie). In 1642 proposed to give Habsburgs his rights to Swedish throne in exchange for giving him Silesia in deposit. Ludovico Fantoni, sent to Vienna in summer 1644 proposed to exchange Władysław's incomes from bohemian estates in Trebon for dukedoms opolsko-raciborskie and cieszyńskie (of Cieszyn). At the beginning of 1645, tired by constant stalling of Vienna's court, Władysław said to Emperor's envoy sent to Warszawa, Maksymilian Dietrichstein, that will cooperate with Sweden – it was an open threat (that he could take Silesia with Swedes help and against Emperor) pronounced by fact that on 6th of March 1645 Swedish general Lennart Torstensson defeated Emperor's, Bavarian and Saxon forces in battle of Jankov and started march against Vienna. Now Emperor was ready for discussion and sent Johannes Putz von Adlertum to Warszawa in April 1645, giving him wide prerogatives in transferring rights of duchy opolsko-raciborskie to son of Władysław and Cecylia Renata, Zygmunt Kazimierz as a hereditary fief. Badly performed negotiations ended with Habsburgs success and Polish failure. Duchy was given not as a hereditary fief but 50 years long deposit and owner was required to swear allegiance to king of Bohemia (thus, it could not be Polish king), but as an exempt Władysław would rule duchy until his son was an adult. Additionally Władysław promised to lend Emperor 1100000 złoty (minus still not paid three dowries).
Dukedom at Danube
Quite crazy idea to start war with Ottoman Empire and create own duchy/kingdom on their terrains. Failed plans of international league, nobles and magnates did not want to agree and stopped recruitment of troops. In order to create army king started talks with Cossacks. Anti-Crimean provocations failed. King died and then Cossacks started their uprising with Crimean support. (more in future text about reasons of Chmielnicki uprising).
Last update 25.01.2005