Homeland or family? A dilemma of Duke Bogusław Radziwiłł (1620–1669)

Abstract

Thanks to the novel ‘The Deluge’ written by Henryk Sienkiewicz, first published as a book in 1886, the Master of the Horse – Lithuanian Duke Bogusław Radziwiłł was perceived as a traitor during the Swedish invasion of Poland in the years 1655–1660. The writer presented him in a manner which differed significantly from the image of a typical nobleman – szlachcic – of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Moreover, according to Sienkiewicz, Bogusław preferred speaking French or German instead of using Polish.

Undoubtedly, the years of the Swedish Deluge constituted a breakthrough in the life of Bogusław Radziwiłł. Events of that time and decisions made by him carved out a place for him in the history of Poland. Bogusław was connected with the Polish royal court. His cousin Janusz Radziwiłł, voivode of Vilnius and Grand Hetman of Lithuania, joined the opposition, and in the spring of 1655 he started negotiations with the King of Sweden Charles X Gustav. Bogusław had to choose and decide whether to support the Polish king or his cousin. He chose to support Janusz and together with him he conducted negotiations with the Swedes.

The aim of the article is to attempt to answer the question what motives

made Bogusław Radziwiłł take the Swedish side during the Swedish invasion of Poland. What was more important to him? His country or the protection of his and his family’s interests? Undoubtedly, his decision was determined by the fact that Bogusław Radziwiłł knew the weaknesses of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and realized that the country would not be able to help him if necessary. Poland tried to obtain financial and military aid from the Emperor and the Imperial German State. Th at is why the duke probably wanted to safeguard his family and assets. He was not the only one to do so at that time.