Articles by Mindaugas Sapoka

Liberum veto (Latin for “the free veto”) is what the right of every nobleman not to permit adopting laws at the Sejm was called in the Commonwealth of the Two Nations. This right formed intensively after the Union of Lublin. But in the times of Sigismund Vasa (1587–1632) many decisions were taken unanimously. Why? […]

Frederik August I (1670-1733), Elector of Saxony, became the King of Poland and the Grand Duke of Lithuania (1697-1733) on June 27th, 1697. During the coronation, the new ruler took the name of Augustus II, but often was called the Strong due to his unusual physical strength. Saxony was one of the most economically developed states in Europe at the end of the 17th century. Entering into a personal union with Saxony, the Commonwealth had better prospects in international politics than many surrounding nations. The new leader, having his own state, could hope that he would be able to rule the boyars of the Commonwealth. […]