PINYL #17: 'The Scales of the North' (Patreon)

[PATRONS]

Episode 17: The Scales of the North examines a pivotal but also a forgotten moment in Polish history. Picture the scene - it's early 1720, and all the Commonwealth's nobility have gathered to attend the latest Sejm. On the books to be debated is a relatively simple question: would the Treaty of Vienna be granted their approval? This, as it turns out, was THE most important question Poland had been asked in decades.  

If they said YES, then Poland would attach itself to an alliance system consisting of Britain, Hanover, Saxony, Sweden, Prussia and the Holy Roman Emperor. Potentially, war with Russia would be the result, but it would be a war which such a large alliance would surely win, and it would guarantee Polish independence for many decades to come. The West had never seemed so interested in what Poland would do or say; here, at last, would be the moment for a Polish resurgence, and a chance to finally step out of Russia's shadow.  

If they said NO, on the other hand, then Poland would be drawn further away from the West, and closer to its parasitic Russian 'friend'. Britain, the Emperor, and everyone else would turn their gaze away from the Commonwealth, and the Tsar would be free to act in his Polish garden as he pleased.   

There was, in short, a whole lot riding on this forgotten moment of Polish history. The trajectory of the Polish state, and Polish statehood itself would be profoundly affected by what would happen next. How would the Poles respond? How would the West work to ensure they voted FOR the Treaty of Vienna? What would the Tsar do to ensure they voted AGAINST it? 

All of this we examine in episode 17. The Scales of the North, truly, were in Poland's hands - it remained to be seen what she would do with them...  For the uninitiated, this is the PERFECT place to begin your Polish journey. We're back after several weeks off, and I can't wait to share this fascinating story with you. 

A huge thanksss to you brilliant supporters on Patreon, who have really helped keep me afloat over the last few months. It's thanks to you that this story is being told at all, and I'm so glad it is!