War of the Polish Succession

The War of the Polish Succession (1733-1738) was a European war and a Polish civil war, with considerable interference from other countries, to determine the succession to Augustus II, King of Poland, as well as an attempt by the Bourbon powers to check the power of Austria in western Europe.

The War in Poland

Augustus II died on February 1, 1733, and the Polish nobles, led by primate Teodor Potocki, gathered for the election. The Russians and Austrians, seeing the strong support for Leszczy?ski, gave up their support of Emmanuel of Portugal and turned to Frederick Augustus of Saxony, the previous king's son and the only plausible alternative candidate. The Russian and Austrian armies were mobilized to intimidate the diet, but it chose Leszczy?ski in any case.

Related Topics:
February 1 - 1733 - Teodor Potocki

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The Russian army under field marshal Peter Lascy entered Polish territory in order to support the claims of Frederick Augustus of Saxony. A group of nobles, mainly Lithuanian magnates led by duke Michael Wi?niowiecki (the former Lithuanian grand chancellor nominated by Augustus II), left the place of election to join the Russians. This group elected Frederick Augustus King of Poland as Augustus III. Despite the fact that this group was a minority, the Russians and Austrians, intent on maintaining their influence within Poland, recognised Augustus as king.

Related Topics:
Peter Lascy - Augustus III

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The Russians quickly took Warsaw and installed Augustus, forcing Stanislas to flee to Danzig, where he was besieged for some time by a Russian-Saxon army. Danzig fell in June 1734, and Staninslas fled to his son-in-law in France.

Related Topics:
Warsaw - Danzig - 1734

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The war in Poland was largely over, and was an unambiguous victory for the Russians and their candidate. Although a group of nobles who opted for Stanislas I formed the Confederation of Dzikow (1734) and under their commander, Adam Tar?y, tried to fight the Russians and Saxons, their efforts were ineffective.

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