Grzegorz Kietliński

Epilog sprawy Jana Andrzeja Morsztyna w 1683 roku

Introduction

Epilog sprawy jana andrzeja morsztyna w 1683 roku. Epilog sprawy Jana A. Morsztyna (1683): oskarżony o zdradę i defraudację, sprzeciwiał się polityce Sobieskiego. Zmuszony do opuszczenia Polski i wyjazdu do Francji.

Abstract

THE EPILOGUE OF JAN ANDRZEJ MORSZTYN’S CASE IN 1683This article is devoted to the epilogue of diplomatic endeavours of Jan Andrzej Morsztyn in 1683. In that year, the Polish-Lithuanian monarch, Jan III. Sobieski, preparing military campaign to save Vienna from Turks, aimed to change state foreign policy. This change was to involve breaking relations with France and establishing an alliance with Austria. In the king’s opinion, there was a serious opponent to this change – a long-time leaver of the French faction and the Great Crown Treasurer (podskarbi) Jan Andrzej Morsztyn. The monarch decided to eliminate the faction through a plot aimed at bringing Morsztyn to the parliamentary court. In response to the attempts of the king, Morsztyn intensified his political activity, in particular, international contacts in the years 1681-1683. This activity delayed the monarch’s accusation, yet in 1683 Morsztyn was accused of mismanagement of finances and betrayal of the country seeking to dethronize Jan Sobieski. In effect, he was forced to leave Poland and spent the last 10 years of his life in France.

Review

The article, "Epilog sprawy Jana Andrzeja Morsztyna w 1683 roku," promises a focused examination of a pivotal moment in the political career and eventual downfall of Jan Andrzej Morsztyn, a prominent figure in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the late 17th century. Specifically, it delves into the "epilogue" of Morsztyn's diplomatic and political struggles in 1683, set against the backdrop of Jan III Sobieski's strategic foreign policy realignment. The abstract outlines a narrative of royal machinations aimed at neutralizing Morsztyn's pro-French faction, culminating in accusations of financial mismanagement and betrayal that ultimately forced his exile to France. This article appears to offer a valuable contribution to the understanding of Polish-Lithuanian political history, particularly in shedding light on the intricate internal dynamics that coincided with major international events like the Siege of Vienna. By focusing on Morsztyn's "epilogue," the author suggests a detailed exploration of a specific, critical juncture, potentially uncovering new facets of his political activity and diplomatic contacts between 1681 and 1683. The abstract highlights the conflict between a powerful monarch and a leading magnate, providing an opportunity to analyze the mechanisms of political struggle, factionalism, and the use of legal or quasi-legal means to eliminate opposition within the Commonwealth's unique political system. To fully realize its potential, the article will need to meticulously evidence the "plot" against Morsztyn and the specific nature of his "intensified political activity" and international contacts, particularly how these delayed the monarch's accusations. A thorough analysis of the accusations themselves—mismanagement of finances and seeking to dethrone Sobieski—and the parliamentary court process would further enrich the narrative, illuminating the legal and political tools available at the time. This study has the potential to not only deepen our understanding of Morsztyn's final years but also to contribute to broader discussions on the exercise of royal power, the limits of magnate influence, and the complex interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during a period of significant geopolitical transformation.

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