Early Elective Monarchy Military Organization
The first page details the military organization during Poland's early elective monarchy period. The military structure consisted of several key formations including the Pospolite ruszenie sposób organizacji and specialized units.
Definition: An elective monarch was a ruler chosen by nobility during the general sejm, with Henry of Valois being Poland's first elected king.
Highlight: The military system included four main components:
- Mass levy Pospoliteruszenie
- Land Service for Lithuanian Tatars
- Permanent Defense forces
- Quarter Army
Vocabulary: Wojsko zaciężne referred to professional mercenary troops, distinct from the noble levy.
The page also introduces the Selected Infantry created by Stephen Báthory, which received pay and tax exemptions. Additionally, it describes the Cossacks, who were free people of various origins living in the Wild Fields, organized into 500-soldier regiments.
Example: Cossack military equipment included firearms, sabers, and pole-axes, demonstrating their versatile combat capabilities.
