Polish foreign contingent infantry in times of military reform of Władysław IV and Smolensk’s campaign 1633-1634

Moja praca licencjacka skupia się na tematyce reformy wojskowej Władysława IV Wazy. W pracy przedstawiam sytuację wojska Rzeczypospolitej Obojga Narodów przed reformą, za panowania Stefana Batorego, oraz Zygmunta III Wazy, reformę i jej realizacje oraz strój i wyposażenie piechoty autoramentu cudzoziemskiego. Praca nie skupia się na przebiegu samej kampanii smoleńskiej.

This Bachelor’s thesis aims to present a issue of Polish foreign contingent infantry in first half of 17th century during rule of Władysław IV Vasa. This very ambitious and energetic king, who originate from famous Swedish dynasty tried to changed many important elements in polish policy, administration etc. However one of the greatest reform, which this king achieved was military reform. It had got significantly influence to situation in Polish-Lithuania Commonwealth, when this Kingdom were waging many hard struggles, included war with Russia and Sweden. Władysław IV had got more efficient army. Despite this forces were trying to do away with lot of their disadvantages they were strong enough to face with enemy’s armies. Polish king was winning in series of struggles, but without expecting political effects.In first chapter this thesis presents problem of military reform of Władysław IV and situation in military affairs before his reign (under kings Stefan Batory and Wladyslaw’s father, Zygmunt III). In second part author describes stages of enlistment. There he resolve problem of origins of soldiers, who were part of foreign contingent. Third and last chapter is about equipment and armament. Author, who is member of association historical restorers presents inter alia cloth and weapon (guns, pikes, swords or sabers) with important details.These ingredients made essential part of Polish warfare in early-modern period. However Commonwealth always had got not enough soldiers, they were well-trained and good commanded by brilliant generals. Nevertheless army was neglected by nobility, who were afraid, that king may have increased his influence. This way of thinking conducted Poland and Lithuania to partitions in 18th century.