Defensive Alliance between Sweden and Brandenburg
SUMMARY
This alliance was not recorded in the British archives but was found in
the Swedish national archives and reprinted by both sources listed
above. The Latin text of the treaty pledges a defensive alliance between
the two powers, and the broad outline of harmonious friendship
between the two countries is outlined in the English excerpt available
below.
From the British perspective, this alliance must have been a complete
failure. With another Dutch war looming, Charles II of Britain sent
delegates to all the major capitals seeking backing of any kind. Only
Münster would comply, however, eventually attacking the Dutch five
months after the war began. The Swedish support pledged in this
alliance never materialized, and on July 17, 1665, Sweden declared
itself neutral.
Excerpt of Alliance Text
- Between his Sacred Royal Majesty of Great Britain and his
royal heirs and successors on the one part, and his Sacred Royal
Majesty of Sweden and his royal heirs and successors on the
other part, and all and singular the kingdoms, dominions,
provinces, islands, lands, colonies, cities, towns, peoples, citizens
and inhabitants of both, and also in general all their subjects
and vassals, as well those that now are, as those that shall be
hereafter, there shall be a sincere, constant, and everlasting
friendship, alliance, and good correspondence, both in Europe
and outside it, especially in Africa and America, both by land
and by sea and fresh waters, so that neither shall at all trouble
the other, or the other’s kingdoms, provinces, colonies, and sub-
jects, wheresoever situated, nor shall they permit or consent
that this be done by others, but they shall treat each other with
sincere affection and with all love and benevolence.
1.1013 Defensive Alliance between Sweden and
Brandenburg
Alliance Members:Sweden and Brandenburg
Signed On:March 27, 1666, in the city of Stockholm
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 9, p.109.
SUMMARY
This alliance renewed the Peace of Oliva (1660), which guaranteed
Swedish territories such as Estonia and Latvia, and afforded the Elec-
tor of Brandenburg sovereignty over Prussia. The Anglo-Dutch War
(starting in 1665) in the Baltic Sea and elsewhere provided the impe-
tus for both King Gustavus (Sweden) and Frederick William I (Bran-
denburg) to signal their control over territories in case of Russian,
French, Polish, or another country’s opportunism.
Sweden remained neutral, and Brandenburg sided with the Dutch in
the war against the English. Although this alliance was set to last for
ten years, Sweden attacked Brandenburg in 1675 while Frederick
William’s army was marching against Louis XIV.
Description of Terms
The agreement provided for the defense of Swedish territory
outside the empire, such as Estonia and Latvia, in exchange for a
Swedish guarantee and defense of Prussia. A separate article to
the treaty narrowed Brandenburg’s obligations to Swedish
defense: Brandenburg would have no obligation to send troops
in the event of a Russian attack on Latvia and Estonia but would
have to pay 50,000 rixdalers for defense of the Swedish territory.
The alliance was to last ten years.1.1014 Defensive Alliance between Denmark-
Norway and Brandenburg
Alliance Members:Denmark-Norway and Brandenburg
Signed On:May 23, 1666, in the city of Cleves (Germany)
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 9, p. 167.SUMMARY
The Denmark-Norway union and Brandenburg signed an alliance
during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. At this time, the Dutch Republic
had lost several key naval battles, including the worst in its history at
the Battle of Lowestoft, and the English had recently paid Bernhard
von Galen, bishop of Münster, to join their effort against the Dutch.
The Dutch responded in1666 by forming a counteralliance that
included Denmark-Norway and Brandenburg, with Denmark-Norway
playing a pivotal role. The entry of the allies into the conflict forced
von Galen to cease operations in the Netherlands and evacuate all mil-
itary holdings in the United Provinces.Description of Terms
The original text in German provided for an offensive and
defensive alliance between the signatories. The pact was ratified
by both parties on September 23, 1666.1.1015 Treaty of Alliance between Sweden and
Saxony
Alliance Members:Sweden and Saxony
Signed On:July 6, 1666, in the city of Halle (Germany)
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 9, p. 201.SUMMARY
Sweden found itself in an uncomfortable situation at the end of the
Deluge. Sweden was at the apex of its power but was also surrounded
by hostile states in Poland, Brandenburg, Denmark, and Russia.
Sweden’s 1666 invasion of Bremen had drawn the wrath of the Holy
Roman Empire, and England and France were, at best, tenuous poten-
tial allies. Sweden, however, was able to find an audience with John
George II of Saxony, resulting in a July 1666 treaty.