Władysław IV (June 9, 1595 – May 20, 1648) was the son of Sigismund III Vasa and his wife, Anna of Austria (also known as Anna of Habsburg). Władysław IV reigned as King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from November 8, 1632, to his death in 1648.
In 1610, the teenage Władysław was elected Tsar of Russia by Seven Boyars, but did not assume the Muscovite throne due to his father's opposition (Encyklopedia Polski, p. 750) and popular uprising ...
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Władysław IV (June 9, 1595 – May 20, 1648) was the son of Sigismund III Vasa and his wife, Anna of Austria (also known as Anna of Habsburg). Władysław IV reigned as King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from November 8, 1632, to his death in 1648.
In 1610, the teenage Władysław was elected Tsar of Russia by Seven Boyars, but did not assume the Muscovite throne due to his father's opposition (Encyklopedia Polski, p. 750) and popular uprising in Russia; he used the title of Grand Duke of Muscovy until 1634. The throne during this time was instead held by Michael Romanov.
Władysław managed to prevent the Commonwealth becoming embroiled in the bloody Thirty Years' War that ravaged western Europe during his reign, and was fairly successful in defending the Commonwealth from invasion. He supported religious tolerance and carried out military reforms. He failed, however, to realize his dreams of fame and conquest, or to reform and strengthen the Commonwealth.
His death marked the end of...
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