Sejmiki mazowieckie wobec planów wojny tureckiej Władysława IV w 1646 roku
The Mazovian dietines’ (sejmiks’) standpoints towards Władysław IV’s Turkish campaign in 1646

Summary/Abstract: In the year 1646, Władysław IV’s plans regarding Turkish campaign, hitherto devised in secret, leaked to the public opinion, which in turn compelled the monarch to convene the Sejm (the national diet). In September 1646 the majority of the pre-Sejm dietines decided against the aggressive war with Turkey. The noblemen assembled condemned the military conscription instigated without seeking the Sejm’s approval as well as issuing litterae inscriptionis stipendii (the letters allowing and detailing conscription) bearing the royal peacetime seal. The Mazovian dietines, as opposed to the majority of the remaining ones, were of a less negative standpoint towards the King’s plans and did not undermine the royal authority of Władysław IV. Some of the instructions given by the dietines rendered the discussion about the war during the national assembly admissible, while other suggested the method of waging war. Also, a number of dietines condoned the levying of taxes in the event of state borders being threatened. Therefore it seems a foregone conclusion that the noblemen of Mazovia, contrary the remainder of this estate, assumed during the period in question a more loyalist attitude.

• Details
• Contents