How did the Great Elector end Poland's suzerainty over Ducal Prussia?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

The Great Elector, Frederick William, ended Poland's suzerainty over Ducal Prussia through a combination of military maneuvering and strategic diplomacy during the First Northern War (1655–1660).12

Initially, Frederick William sought to secure his objective by playing rival powers against one another. After shifting his allegiance between Sweden and Poland, he concluded the Treaty of Wehlau with the Polish king, John Casimir, on September 19, 1657. Under the terms of this agreement, Frederick William pledged to provide Poland with 6,000 troops for use against Sweden. In exchange, the Polish crown formally renounced its suzerainty over Ducal Prussia, recognizing Frederick William and his heirs as the duchy's sovereign rulers.13

These provisions were subsequently confirmed by the Treaty of Oliva in 1660, which officially concluded the conflict. This transition to full sovereignty was a fundamental step in the rise of the Hohenzollern monarchy to the status of a European great power.132