The Military Potential of Polish Army During the War of the Polish Succession (1733–1735). Some Aspects

Abstract

In the paper I have presented military potential of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 1730s. The army consisted of: Polish and Lithuanian regular troops of approximately 17–18 thousands soldiers with 300 cannons (cost annual ca 8 640 000 zł = 1 075 000 thalers); royal guards – 1200 soldiers; militia maintained by local government, cities, churches or even private person and the great myth – general levy. All of this troops were mobilized between 1733 and 1735 which resulted in 50 thousands (possibly even 100 thousands) soldiers under arms. It had a little military value due to lack of experience, poor equipment and low morale. In the results Polish and Lithuanian army were no match for regular armies of Russia and Saxony, which succeeded in plan of enthronement of August III Wettin.