Treaty of Defensive Alliance between Denmark and Sweden2.1074 Treaty of Alliance and Guarantee
among Denmark, the Holy Roman Emperor,
and Russia
Alliance Members:Denmark, Holy Roman Emperor, and Russia
Signed On:May 26, 1732, in the city of Copenhagen
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 33, p. 467.
SUMMARY
The Treaty of Copenhagen was signed by Denmark, the Holy Roman
Emperor, and Russia, putting to rest fears of conflict for Denmark. In
exchange for recognizing the succession to the throne of the emperor’s
daughter, both Russia and the empire affirmed Danish control over
the empire’s southern territories. This agreement strongly reinforced
the status quo boundaries in these territories for all three countries,
and the borders remained intact for the remainder of the eighteenth
century. Only in the middle of the nineteenth century did a dispute
arise regarding the boundaries in Danish control.
Description of Terms
The treaty contained seven articles, dealing with several mat-
ters. First, all sides assured each other of their respective realms.
Second, Denmark relented to the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713,
recognizing the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor as suc-
cessor. Third, and most important for the king of Denmark,
both Russia and the emperor recognized Danish dominion over
Schleswig at the expense of Charles Frederick. Charles Frederick
was to be compensated by Denmark to drop his claim.
2.1075 Treaty of Alliance between France and
Sardinia
Alliance Members:France and Sardinia
Signed On:September 26, 1733, in the city of Turin (Italy)
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 34, p. 95.
SUMMARY
France and Sardinia signed an alliance in September 1733 in the
beginning stages of the War of Polish Succession. After the death of
Augustus II in February of 1733, a conflict emerged as Russia and Aus-
tria tried to install Augustus II’s son to the throne. The French saw this
as an opportunity to check Austrian and Russian interests, and France
backed the regal claims of Stanislaus. The French had no genuine
interest in Stanislaus, only in undermining Russian and Austrian
interests. Sardinia saw the conflict as an opportunity to acquire the
duchy of Milan from Austria.
Sardinia had some successes in combat during the War of Polish Suc-
cession, particularly in the battle of Guastalla; however, the treaty that
ended the war gave Sardinia only parts of the duchy of Milan. France
was successful in its efforts at undermining Austrian power as the War
of Polish Succession was a disaster for the Austrians.
Description of Terms
The parties pledged a sincere friendship and a defensive and
offensive alliance. The allied powers agreed to make war against
the Holy Roman Emperor and attack the state of Milan. France
would not relent from fighting until the state of Milan was con-
quered and returned to the king of Sardinia. The allies asserted
that this plan was being put into action only to reestablish the
balance of power in Europe because of the immense power of
Austria.
After the war started, none of the allies would make peace or
a cease-fire without the consent of the other. Also, the allies
would not stop fighting until Sardinia had recovered Milan and
its present territories if it were to lose some land during the
conflict. France promised not to keep any territories that were
conquered in Italy. Because other powers in Europe were also
interested in diminishing the powers of Austria, they would be
welcome to join the alliance.
France agreed to send 32,000 infantrymen and 8,000 caval-
rymen. Sardinia would provide 10,000 infantrymen and 2,000
cavalrymen or dragoons and would provide another 12,000 in
the next campaign. The army would be under the orders of the
king of Sardinia. France pledged to give to Sardinia one million
pounds of Piémont before the ratifications. During the war,
France pledged to give 200,000 pounds of Piémont a month.
The two parties agreed to pay for the artillery in proportion of
their involvement. Because of the difficulty in moving the heavy
cannons through the hills, Sardinia would provide cannons
without compensation. The allies agreed to pay in proportion
of their number for the winter housing. This treaty would be
kept secret until the allies decided it would be necessary to
advise the other powers of Europe, except Spain.2.1076 Treaty of Defensive Alliance between
Denmark and Sweden
Alliance Members:Denmark and Sweden
Signed On:September 24, 1734, in the city of Stockholm
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 34, p. 189.SUMMARY
During the War of Polish Succession, Sweden interpreted the conflict
as an opportunity to form an alliance with Poland against Russia
should Stanislaus become king. France had approached Sweden about
forming an alliance against Russia as Sweden was very interested in
revising the status quo that followed the Great Northern War. Both
France and Sweden wanted to expel Russia from the Baltics, but Swe-
den remained noncommittal on military involvement in the War of
Polish Succession.
Sweden relented and signed a defensive pact with Denmark amid the
instability of war, despite being uncertain about whether direct mili-
tary action would be needed. Indeed, the eventual establishment of
Augustus III as king assured Sweden of Russia’s dominant influence in