In today's episode I discuss the ascension of John Casimir to the throne of the Polish Commonwealth (1648) amidst financial crisis, political divisions, the Cossack rebellion in the south, a Russian invasion to the east, and a Swedish invasion to the north. It will take everything he has to lead the Polish people out of the unprecedented devastation that is to come.

In this episode we discuss Poland's failing fiscal policy, internal corruption, the death of Wladyslaw IV, and the start of the great Cossack uprising of 1648. These events will start a period known as "The Deluge" in polish history. These events as well as ones that will soon occur would bring devastation so unimaginable that it would take centuries for the Polish people to recover. It is the beginning of the end for the Commonwealth.

In this episode we look at Poland after Gutavus leaves Prussia and joins the 30 years war. Sigismund III would die(1632), Russia would break its truce and invade during the interregnum as well as an ambitious Turkish governor. Polish arms would prove wildly successful in both conflicts but it would prove to be the last great hurrah for the Commonwealth.

In this episode we talk about northern involvement in the 30 years war, the death of Gustavus Adolphus, The Torstenson war as well as the geopolitical changes that occur because of these events.

In this episode we discuss the events of the 3rd and 4th Polish-Swedish wars (or phases) , the change in warfare, and the implications of the conflict resulting in the treaty of altmark in 1629.

This episode we talk about The Kalmar War (1611-1613) would see the last time Denmark-Norway is able to defend its sound tolls and effectively fight against Sweden, the ascension of Gustavus Adolphus, and the militaristic societal changes going on in Sweden which would bring about its age of greatness for the next hundred years.

I would also highly recommend "The Northern Wars" by Robert Frost as he compiles information many of the primary and secondary sources which for the most part are exclusively in Polish, Swedish, and Russian and thus has been a very great resource for the material talked about in this episode and will be in future ones.

In the aftermath of the Polish-Swedish union breaking apart in 1599, the stage is set for a new conflict to erupt over the lands of Livonia, Estonia and of course Sigismund III Vasa's claim to the Swedish throne. War would break out in 1600, beginning the first of four phases with the first phase ending in 1611 and the last ending in 1629 separated by various truces or ceasefires.

Unfortunately on this particular conflict my resources were limited for information as its not covered extensively, as such i had to get my sources from various encyclopedias such as the Britannica and the historyofwar.

In this episode we discuss the legendary Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus (1594- 1632) and some of his reforms and achievements in the early 17th century before his tragic end the battle of Lutzen in 1632. 

A brief detour to explain the Cossacks, who they were, and what importance they had in eastern European politics.

The conclusion of the Russian time of troubles, Ingrian War, the polish muscovite war, and the ascension of Tsar Michael Romanov I.