Wielka wojna północna na Litwie w relacjach szwedzkich oficerów

ENThis essay aims to discuss the presence of the Swedish Army in Lithuania during the Great Northern War. To describe the course of the military campaign in Lithuania and the conditions involved in the incursion and stay of Swedish troops, accounts of Swedish officers are used that are contained in diaries, reports, and letters. With Charles XII at its head, the Swedish army crossed the Lithuanian border in autumn 1721, and remained on Lithuanian territory until spring 1702. The aim of the Swedish King was to defeat and dethrone Augustus II. Subsequently, the Swedes appeared in Lithuania in 1706, and again in 1708, which was connected with preparation for the decisive battle with Peter I. The Poles conducted a war of manoeuvre, which brought no decisive tactical outcome, but fanned the flames of war and devastated the country. Tribute was imposed on the country and it was extracted using all possible means of pressure and terror. For the Swedish officers, the war was a source of income. Besides promotion, it brought gains in the form of war booty that is estimated at thousands of thalers in coin and many valuable objects. The Swedes’ easy victories confirmed them in their belief in the low combat value of Polish units, and helped to confirm their disdain and at times contempt for their opponent.