When Diplomacy Fails Podcast

PINYL #28: Only A Cameo Role

Added 2021-03-01 06:01:01 +0000 UTC

[PATRONS]

In late October 1733, France declared war on Austria. Yet that doesn't even tell a fraction of the story of what was really going on Poland in 1733, and why it seemed to matter so much to everyone. The Russian army was on the way, but King Stanislaus was already in place, waiting for a French army that never came. He withdrew to Gdansk, where he was closely observed by the French ambassador to Denmark, who was likely more of a Polish zealot than Stanislaus himself! Might made right, and the outcome could hardly be in doubt - the Tsarina had always intended on sending soldiers in, the appearance of a Confederation requesting assistance was merely a happy coincidence.

Though it came seem like a foregone conclusion, Poland's position in 1733 deserves exploration, because the Polish Crown still mattered a great to Poland's neighbours, and their behaviour towards the Commonwealth formed a pivotal part of their policy. Poland was too weak to threaten, but too powerful and large to ignore. She had to be reduced, but how? The crown was the first step, the next step wouldn't come for some time.