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How did John III Sobieski help defend Vienna in 1683?
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Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Poland's territory in 1634, during the reign of Władysław IV Vasa.
John III Sobieski played a pivotal role in the 1683 Siege of Vienna by leading the relief efforts that ultimately defeated the Ottoman forces. His contributions included:
- Alliance and Mobilization: Following a treaty with Holy Roman emperor Leopold I signed in April 1683, Sobieski committed to supporting the defense of the Habsburg capital. He marched to Vienna with approximately 25,000 Polish troops.12
- Supreme Command: Due to his high military rank, Sobieski was appointed supreme commander of the combined relief army, which totaled about 75,000 men, including forces from Saxony, Bavaria, and various German principalities.31
- Decisive Victory: On September 12, 1683, Sobieski led the allied forces in a successful attack against the Ottoman army at the Kahlenberg. The battle lasted 15 hours, resulting in the Ottoman invaders being driven from their trenches and the lifting of the siege, which marked a significant turning point in European history and the beginning of the end of Ottoman domination in eastern Europe.312