Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - IX. Reign of Gustavus Adolphus, 1611–1632 - B. The Early Wars
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Gustavus Adolphus 149
Russians were now separated from Sweden by seas,
morasses, and rivers. "Now/’ he added, "Finland is
separated from Russia by the great Ladoga Lake; and
I hope to God that it shall henceforth be difficult for
the Russians to jump across that brook."
The War with Poland. The danger from Denmark
and Russia had been happily removed. But Gustavus
Adolphus had his account with Sigismund still unset-
tled. Poland and other Catholic countries regarded
Gustavus as a usurper of the Swedish throne, and a
traitor to his lawful sovereign, King Sigismund of
Poland. Hence, they refused to recognize him as king
of Sweden. At any time Sigismund might renew his %
efforts to seize the Swedish throne. What might be
expected should he succeed in such efforts could be seen
in the persecution of Polish Protestants, which his
Jesuit advisers had induced him to institute.
Poland was not an insignificant enemy. It was still
the greatest power in eastern Europe. Its boundaries
extended toward the Danube and the lower Dnieper
and eastward to the vicinity of Moscow. Its nobility
were renowned for their valor. Besides, Poland could
expect aid from the two great Catholic powers, Austria
and Spain. In addition to religious ties Sigismund was
connected by marriage with the House of Austria.
Gustavus Adolphus thought it best not to await the
attack within the boundaries of Sweden, but took the
offensive in 1621, in Livonia, by besieging Riga. This
great commercial city was strongly fortified with walls,
towers, and dikes. The Swedes threw up intrench-
ments. Cannon boomed from both sides. Mortars
belched forth glowing balls and heavy stones. Towers
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