Events on April 23 in history

Treaty of Oliva is established between Sweden and Poland.

The Treaty of Oliva, also known as the Peace of Oliva (Polish: Pokój Oliwski, Swedish: Freden i Oliva, German: Vertrag von Oliva), was a pivotal international agreement signed on April 23rd according to the Old Style Julian calendar, or May 3rd by the New Style Gregorian calendar, in 1660. This landmark treaty was one of the crucial peace agreements that brought an end to the tumultuous and far-reaching conflict known as the Second Northern War (1655-1660).

This particular peace accord, alongside the Treaty of Copenhagen in the very same year and the subsequent Treaty of Cardis in 1661, collectively heralded the undisputed zenith of the Swedish Empire. These treaties solidified Sweden's territorial gains and strategic influence, marking a period when it stood as a formidable power in Northern Europe, effectively transforming the Baltic Sea into what was often perceived as a "Swedish Lake."

The Historic Gathering at Oliwa

The peace negotiations themselves unfolded in the historic town of Oliwa (Oliva), then part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and renowned for its Cistercian monastery. This picturesque setting became the crucible where peace was forged between the leading powers of the era:

• Sweden: A formidable military power, eager to consolidate its Baltic dominion.
• The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth: Exhausted by years of warfare and seeking to reclaim its stability.
• The Habsburg Monarchy: Representing the Holy Roman Empire, a traditional power broker in Central Europe.
• Brandenburg-Prussia: An emerging regional power, keen to secure its own territorial and sovereign status.

Key Provisions and Lasting Outcomes

The Treaty of Oliva carefully delineated new political and territorial realities, designed to bring a lasting peace to the war-torn region:

• Swedish Livonia: Sweden's claim to sovereignty over Swedish Livonia, a strategically vital Baltic province, was formally acknowledged and accepted by all signatory powers. This solidified its control over crucial trade routes and ports.
• Ducal Prussia: Brandenburg-Prussia achieved full sovereignty over Ducal Prussia. This was a monumental step for the House of Hohenzollern, transforming its status from a Polish fiefdom into an independent, sovereign territory, laying groundwork for the future Kingdom of Prussia.
• Dynastic Claims: A long-standing and contentious issue was finally resolved. King John II Casimir Vasa of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth formally renounced all his claims to the Swedish throne. This dynastic dispute, rooted in the shared Vasa lineage, had been a significant casus belli for earlier conflicts. However, as a conciliatory gesture and a nod to his royal heritage, he was permitted to retain the honorary title of a hereditary Swedish king for the remainder of his life.
• Territorial Restorations: A general principle of the treaty dictated that all territories occupied during the Second Northern War were to be restored to their pre-war sovereigns, promoting stability and adherence to established borders.
• Religious Freedom: In a period often marked by religious intolerance, a significant provision was included: Catholics residing in Livonia and Prussia were granted the crucial right to religious freedom. This was a pragmatic measure, acknowledging the diverse religious landscape of these regions and aiming to prevent future confessional conflicts.

The Signatories of History

The solemn act of signing this momentous treaty brought together several prominent figures of 17th-century European politics:

• Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I: Representing the powerful Habsburg Monarchy, his signature underscored the widespread international recognition of the treaty.
• Elector Frederick William I of Brandenburg: Often known as the "Great Elector," his signature cemented Brandenburg-Prussia's enhanced status and territorial gains.
• King John II Casimir Vasa of Poland: His presence and signature formally concluded the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth's engagement in the conflict and its renunciation of Swedish claims.
• Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie: As the head of the Swedish delegation and a prominent member of the minor regency council, he affixed his signature on behalf of his young nephew, King Charles XI of Sweden. Charles XI was still a minor at the time, making De la Gardie's role particularly significant in representing the burgeoning Swedish Empire.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Treaty of Oliva

What was the primary purpose of the Treaty of Oliva?

The primary purpose of the Treaty of Oliva was to bring a formal end to the Second Northern War (1655-1660), a major conflict that reshaped the political landscape of Northern Europe.

Which countries were the main signatories of the Treaty of Oliva?

The main signatories were Sweden, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Habsburg Monarchy (representing the Holy Roman Empire), and Brandenburg-Prussia.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Oliva for the Swedish Empire?

The Treaty of Oliva, along with the Treaties of Copenhagen and Cardis, marked the absolute high point of the Swedish Empire, solidifying its territorial gains and its dominant position as a major European power, particularly in the Baltic region.

What territorial changes resulted from the treaty?

Sweden was formally recognized as sovereign in Swedish Livonia. Brandenburg-Prussia achieved full sovereignty over Ducal Prussia. All other occupied territories were generally restored to their pre-war sovereigns.

What was the outcome regarding King John II Casimir Vasa's claim to the Swedish throne?

King John II Casimir Vasa formally withdrew his claims to the Swedish throne, ending a long-standing dynastic dispute. However, he was allowed to retain the honorary title of a hereditary Swedish king for the rest of his life.

Did the treaty address religious matters?

Yes, the treaty included a significant provision granting religious freedom to Catholics residing in the newly demarcated territories of Livonia and Prussia.

Why is there an Old Style (OS) and New Style (NS) date for the treaty?

The difference in dates (April 23rd OS / May 3rd NS) reflects the ongoing transition across Europe from the Julian calendar (Old Style) to the more accurate Gregorian calendar (New Style) during the 17th century. Different nations adopted the new calendar at different times.