The General Confederation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (1734–1736)

Abstract

This article deals with the issue of the political alliance of the nobility of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL) – the activity of the General Confederation of the GDL between 1734 and 1736 focusing on issues which have not been researched properly up to now. The General Confederation of the Polish Kingdom, called the Confederation of Dzików was politically akin to that of the GDL. The Poles proposed to form a common confederation, but the Lithuanian leadership was not inclined to do that. The General Confederation of the GDL established in 1734 was the last such organization of Lithuanian nobles, which did not join the Polish General Confederation. Nevertheless, in emigration the two confederations maintained close contacts. The internal conflicts of 1733-1736 came to an end following the Pacification Sejm in June and July 1736, which granted an amnesty to the Confederates and confirmed the election of Augustus III. Drawing on the so far untapped archival sources, the author reveals the contemporary diplomatic and military activity of Russia.