1674 Polish–Lithuanian royal election

On November 10, 1673, Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, suddenly died in Lwów. The Polish throne was vacant again, so another free election was necessary. As in 1669, the main candidates were French Duke Louis, Grand Conde, Philip William, Elector Palatine (both supported by Louis XIV of France), and Charles V, Duke of Lorraine.

1674 Polish-Lithuanian Free election
June 19, 1674 (1674-06-19) - June 21, 1674 (1674-06-21)
 
Candidate John Sobieski Louis de Bourbon, Prince of Condé Philipp Wilhelm, Elector Palatine
Party Piast Faction Pro-French Faction Pro-French Faction
 
Candidate Charles Léopold de Lorraine
Party Pro-Habsburg Faction
King before election

Michael I

 Elected King

John III

Hetman John Sobieski, who was a very influential figure in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, did not express interest in the Polish crown, and before the election stated that he did wish to be elected. Sobieski was hated by Lithuanian magnates of the Pac family, who in January 1674, during the Convocation Sejm, demanded that a bill prohibiting native Poles (or Piasts) from running in the election should be introduced.

The very fact that the Pac family promoted such a bill means that Sobieski was regarded by many as a possible candidate. His name was mentioned by envoys of the House of Habsburg, and by French newspaper La Gazette. French diplomats later stated that Sobieski himself hesitated between running in the election, and supporting the Grand Conde.

The election began on Saturday, June 19, 1674. Despite the protests of Lithuanians, the Bishop of Kraków Andrzej Trzebicki initiated the process, by singing the hymn Veni Sancte Spiritus. The next day, Sunday, June 20, was dedicated to religious ceremonies and behind the scenes negotiations. On Monday, June 21, the Bishop of Vilnius, Michał Pac stated that Lithuania agreed to the Piast candidate. In the afternoon of the same day, John III Sobieski became King of Poland.

Sources

U. Augustyniak, Historia Polski 1572-1795, Warszawa 2008 M. Markiewicz, Historia Polski 1494-1795, Kraków 2002

See also
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