The Capture of Warsaw in 1657 was conducted by the Transylvanian-Swedish-Cossack forces against its garrison, as part of the Brest Campaign led by George II Rákóczi, during 14–17 June.

Prelude

In January 1657, Transylvanian Prince George II Rákóczi intervened into Poland with his Swedish and Cossack allies. Prince Rákóczi headed a total of 40,000 troops with him.[1] However, Rákóczi largely avoided Polish-Lithuanian forces, with exception of Brest in May. Rákóczi now intended to capture Warsaw during June.[2] Anton Zhdanovych led his Cossacks during Rákóczi's campaign, including besieging Warsaw.[3]

Siege

On 12 June, Cossacks were already near Warsaw, but the attacks only begun with arrival of Rákóczi on 14 June. Polish commander Eliasz Jan Łącki [pl] was in charge of the defense of Warsaw and repulsed initial Transylvanian assaults. On 15 June, Transylvanian attacks were again repulsed and Polish-Lithuanian forces conducted successful sorties outside of their defenses. On 16 June, Warsaw garrison commander Regulskiego defected to Transylvanian-led side, which came as a surprise. On 17 June, Warsaw garrison was willing to negotiate a surrender. Agreement included exchange of prisoners and promise to spare the city. However, Swedish commander Gustaf Otto Stenbock didn't partake in negotiations and sacked the city few days later.

Some sources claim both Transylvanians and their allies took part in sacking Warsaw, on the same day as city's capitulation took place.[2] Warsaw was described as being disturbed by "hordes of Magyars, Vlachs and Cossacks" while residents of the city are going through cycle of chaos and destruction.[4]

Aftermath

On 23 June, after temporary occupation, Rákóczi left devastated Warsaw and headed to Łowicz. However, situation didn't get easier for Rákóczi from then on. Bohdan Khmelnytsky ordered Zhdanovych to withdraw with his Cossacks.[5] Some attribute the Cossack withdrawal to mutiny instigated by Russian informers.[6] Sweden withdrew due to being tied up by fighting Austria, Denmark and the Holy Roman Empire. Hungarians suffered a crushing defeat after getting encircled by the Crimean Tatars.[7] As a result, Transylvanian Prince Rákóczi was effectively abandoned by his allies, with the Transylvanian army doomed to suffer heavy defeats in the upcoming month.

References

  1. ^ Bain, Robert Nisbet (1911). "Rákóczy s.v. George II." . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 22 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 868.
  2. ^ a b "Swedish–Brandenburgian–Transylvanian–Romanian alliance and the truces with Russia". www.storiespreschool.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  3. ^ Курбатов, Олег (2019). Русско-польская война 1654–1667 гг (in Russian). Runivers. p. 85. ISBN 5905719195.
  4. ^ Jerzy Lileyko (1984). Życie codzienne w Warszawie za Wazów (in Polish). Warszawa: Państwowy Instytut Wydawniczy. p. 295. ISBN 83-06-01021-3.
  5. ^ "Rákóczi, György II". www.encyclopediaofukraine.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  6. ^ "Zhdanovych, Antin". www.encyclopediaofukraine.com. Retrieved 2025-03-16.
  7. ^ "Шведско-польская война 1655−1660 годов. «Кровавый потоп» в Речи Посполитой". www.historion.org (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-03-16.

Bibliography

Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Warsaw_(1657)
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