Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XI. Reign of Charles X Gustavus, 1654–1660 - A. Introduction - B. The Period of the Polish War, 1655–1660
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188- A History of Sweden
for the country’s necessary expenses. Only thus could
the complaints of the peasantry be quieted and good
will restored. Charles Gustavus knew what he wanted.
At his first Riksdag he induced the nobles to agree to
a Resumption by the crown of one-fourth of the estates
granted after the death of Gustavus Adolphus.
B. THE POLISH WAR, 1655-1660
Object and Cause of the War. After Sweden had
once begun to make conquests on the other side of the
Baltic, her aim was to secure all the shores of that sea,
and thus convert it into a Swedish lake. By this means
Sweden might levy port duties at the mouths of all the
Polish rivers, and thus tax all Poland’s commerce as
she did that of Russia and North Germany. Thus she
could secure the means for keeping up her position as
a great power. Such control of the Baltic had loomed
before the eyes of Gustavus Adolphus. It was to be-
come the chief aim of Charles Gustavus’ policy.
Poland and Russia were engaged in a life-and-death
struggle. Russia was about to extend her control over
Poland’s coast lands, thus reaching the Baltic, and
breaking down the wall raised against her by Gusta-
vus Adolphus. This plan Sweden must oppose at all
costs.
The Campaigns. As on a triumphal march Charles
Gustavus began his invasion of Poland at the head of
a magnificent army. He was soon master of the greater
part of the land. Europe was amazed. But suddenly
there was an angry uprising of the people against the
heretical strangers, who plundered their churches and
convents. The Swedes marched rapidly through the
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