Kozaczyzna i społeczeństwo ziem południowo-wschodnich Rzeczypospolitej XVI-XVII wieku - wzajemne wpływy i relacje

ENDuring the XVI & XVII centuries there have been significant changes to the social structures in the Ukrainian lands of the Republic, which were once a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Those changes had great influence on the military culture of the Zaporizhyan Cossacks. In the age of the Lublin Union, many members of the boyars have lost their social positions, and in order to avoid social degradation, they sought out a way of life in the ranks of the Cossack army. In the beginning the Cossack army recruited mainly from the urban residents of the Dniepr region. Russian boyars greatly contributed to the development of the Cossack military with their experience, professionalism and ability to use weapons and firearms. The ever growing feudal oppression and increased freedom for Cossacks, directly led to heightened interest in the army and cause many peasants to join the ranks as well. One may seek the motives in the desire to get rich, as such was the case during the journey towards Moscow, or the Red Sea, however we believe that the main reason was the desire to join the ranks of the Cossack military which were known to enjoy the liberty and freedom given to them. The influx of soldiers caused many changes, not only in the structure of the Cossack troops, but also in their battle tactics. As the divisions got stronger, bigger and more organized they began setting up camp and fighting infantry battles. Expeditions to the sea, have become more dangerous, which could be associated with the increased numbers of soldiers, better weapons and more experienced staff. The army itself underwent a strong stratification into two groups. One was made up of rich Cossacks with land ties and registered military, which were well equipped, experienced and trained, and the other made up of poor peasants with ties to the Sietch and the local military. The Khmelnytsky Uprising brought on important changes to the regions.