History / Destructions of Poland thoughout centuries [55]

Polish Army at Ujscie was just bunch of local nobles(mass movement), not regular forces(0 Winged Hussars, 0 "Pancerni", 0 Dragoons/Reitars, 0 professional infantry, 0 royal artillery). They were no match for Swedish professional veterans. All Polish regular units were engaged on the east in fights against Russians and Cossacs, besides Poland suffered massive loses in 1652 after Battle of Batoh when Cossacs slaughtered few thousands Polish prisoners(all were experienced soldiers, core of our army).

History / Destructions of Poland thoughout centuries [55]


I cant agree with you, you underestimate psychological impact Swedish invasion had on morale of Polish population. Since XV century until 1655 not a single enemy soldier entered Polish mainlands! All wars were fought at borderlands - Pomerania, Prussia, Livonia, southern border, eastern border or at enemy territory. Most of this war were succesful for us. Now lets think about political and military position of Poland n 1655:

- all armies are on the east
- civil war against cossacs and then against Russians lasts for 7 years. In 1654 Russia invaded Poland with army of ~100 000 soldiers.
- Polish nobility had to to pay additional taxes for massive armies and serve in military
- i mentioned Battle of Batoh 1652 and POW killing. Just three years before Swedish invasion, due to commanders failure Poland lost all best units, officer corps, experienced and well-trained soldiers.

I'm not suprised we couldnt fight back in 1655. However after Poland re-deployed its armies it took less than two years to drive Swedes back(despite Brandenburgia and Transilvania invasions in 1655 and1656), in 1657 Poland was even able to send expeditionary corps to aid Denmark in war against Sweden but still - Poland was ruined and depopulated.

History / Destructions of Poland thoughout centuries [55]


Territories of old Kiev Rus had been conquered by Lithuanians in medieval times. After joining Poland and Lithuania by the Union of Lublin it naturally became part of Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth. You have to remember that Ruthenian and Lithuanian boyars unlike Lithuanian aristocracy supported this union looking for privilages of Polish nobility which were promised to them by king Sigmund II August.

When it comes to Livonia - territories inhabited by Latvians and Estonians read about Treaty of Vilnius 1559, 1561. Rulers of that territories - Livonian Order in exchange for political and economic freedoms put themself under protection of Polish king. Every Batic power of XVIth century wanted to control Livonians ports - especially Russians, Swedes and Denmark. Livonian Order knowing that they cant hold this lands seeked for best option and they chosed Poland and Lithuania.

This is one of phenomens of Polish-Lithuanian state - expansion not by war but by unions with other states.

By the way - Polish invasion on Russia in 1609 was our answer on Swedish-Russian alliance directed against Poland. It was simply another act of Polish-Russian-Swedish conflict not "Polish expansionism" and will to conquer Russia.

Love / Are Polish men handsome to you? [182]

So far the only people here complaining about Polish men look are foreign males.

Language / Short Polish<->English translations [1040]

To i to/i to i to.

Or "i za cicho i niewyraźnie".

History / Recommended Poland's history books [191]

Norman Davies - God's playground: A History of Poland. Probably best book avalible in English which covers Polish history from Xth to XXth centruy.

Law / Is it safe and legal to use torrents / downloads in Poland? [29]

Accrding to Polish Copyright Law Police/Prosecutor investigate this crime (illegal sharing) only at request (motion) of crime victim (copyright owners). There are single cases of people charged for this.