Battle of Kalisz

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Kalisz


partof=the Great Northern War
caption=
date=October 29 1706
place=Kalisz, Poland
result=Allied Coalition Victory
combatant1=
combatant2=
commander1=
commander2=
strength1=4,300
strength2=35,000 - 40,000
casualties1=700 killed
1,800 captured
casualties2=UnknownThe Battle of Kalisz took place on October 29, 1706 in Kalisz, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the Great Northern War. It was a three hour fight which could have been prevented if Augustus II of Poland had been better informed of certain matters concerning the Swedes and Russians. At the time, an alliance existed between the Poles, Saxons, and Russians. The battle was fought by Russian cavalry, led by commander Aleksandr Menshikov; against a smaller Swedish force headed by colonel Mardefelt. The Russians played a role of significance here because they needed to support their Saxon allies under Augustus.

Pre Battle

Previous to the battle, Charles XII's regiments had advanced into Saxony, occupying major cities. The Saxons had expended too much at the hands of Sweden's king and had no choice but to submit to his demands. In the same month as Kalisz, on October 13, 1706; Saxon emmissaries agreed to the terms that would compose the Treaty of Altransdat. It is quite unfortunate that Augustus had been traveling with Russian troops when such crucial events transpired. Augustus's absence at the creation of this treaty was the root of the confusion that allowed the Battle of Kalisz to occur.

Terms of the treaty

• Augustus must hand over all Swedish traitors
• Augustus must surrender crown of Poland forever and recognize Stanislaus Leszczynski as his replacement. In return he may keep his title of "king" but this would have no political significance
• Saxons must break their alliance with Russia
• Swedes must be permitted to spend the coming winter in Poland at the expense of the Saxon government

When he did learn of the recently arranged treaty while on his travels with Menshikov, Augustus chose to keep the news from him. His decision was based on the Russians' support through generosity in expenses. They were prepared to fight for him and Augustus could not risk angering his ally with the recently learned information. His last attempt to mend the situation was also unsuccessful. He sent word to the waiting Swedish force begging them to retreat upon meeting, but Mardefelt, having been unaware of the treaty, interpreted the plea as a trick of battle. As a result of poor communication, and to Augustus' dismay, the Battle of Kalisz did occurr.

Outcome

The battle began well for the Swedes, however the allies were able to turn it around, bringing strong musket power upon their enemy. From this point the Swedes were left in one group rather than organized regiments. This vulnerability allowed the allies to be victorious. It reflected well upon Menshikov as a commander, and although it would not have been favorable to lose, was slightly embarrassing for Augustus. He later apoligized to Charles and Tsar Peter the Great for the difficult situation. Also, although he had planned to originally renounce the Treaty of Altransdat, Augustus went along with its terms. Finally 1,800 Swedish prisoners were returned.

References

*"The Battle of Kalisz" by Jan Wimmer

"Peter the Great", Robert k. Massie