| Abstract [eng] |
The chancellor of the GDL Kristupas Zigmanta Pac was one of the most influental political figure in the second half of the 17th century. Due to this reason the main aim of this paper is to examine and interpret the processes of domestic policy through the activities of K.Z. Pac as well as to investigate the ways by which he acted while forming domestic and foreign policy of the GDL. The paper also aims to make a sketch of chancellor’s works in shaping the GDL’s policy as well as the influence of his personality in making decisions and instruments what allowed him to fulfill his plans. After analyzing the activities of the chancellor of the GDL K. Z. Pac in forming domestic and foreign policy, we can conclude that his actions influenced signing of Nemėžis peace in 1656 and were important in planning offensive military actions against Moscow. By putting old, well – known means into effect and using the arsenal of diplomacy he was trimming between his main policies – ageless peace with Moscow and fighting back lost territories. Though the attitude of the chancellor of GDL towards the relationship with Sweden during 1655–1660 was strong and linked to the regulation of the conflict by military operation, he did not, however, upheld the aggressive J. Sobieski‘s plan of “Baltic policy”. While developing relations between GDL and Turkey, K. Z. Pac was following separate, secure path, based on calculations, mutual help of federation members and personal interests of his family. In forming domestic policy, the main reason for emergence of chancellor’s power was protection of the king and involvement into regalist political party due to which the further development of his power and abilities became possible. While setting the network of clients K.Z. Pac consolidated relations between the patron and the client by awarding them with estates. It was the most successful mean of influence when solving the state’s and personal matters in his struggle with opposition. The main way that allowed for Pac family to strengthen their influence in GDL and neutralize other families was pragmatic, well estimated and rational policy of distribution of high posts among loyal people while being close to the king in regalist party. During the reign of M. K. Višnioveckis an important result of Pac family activities was the amendment to parliament’s alternate, which allowed announcing every third parliament session in the Gardin – the territory of the GDL. While having J. Sobieski in reign, different attitudes towards state’s policy as well as to the tactics of the struggle with family’s opponents and means of getting closer or, on the contrary, harming the king, invoked crisis in the solidarity of Pac family. But despite this their aims to hold their preponderant positions among the elite of GDL forced them strengthen their inner solidarity. |
