FRENCH AND SWEDISH DIPLOMACY AND THE POMERANIAN QUESTION AT THE WESTFAL PEACE CONGRESS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the relationship between the two allied powers France and Sweden at the Westphalian Peace Congress. As a condition for the signing of the peace treaty, Sweden demanded the transfer of the entire Duchy of Pomerania. However, this territory was also claimed by the Elector of Brandenburg. Only a compromise could solve the problem: the partition of Pomerania between Sweden and Brandenburg. But, the Swedish government, represented by Chancellor Oxensherna and the Elector, did not agree to him. For a variety of reasons, France was interested in ending the war and concluding a general peace. The French delegation took measures to persuade the Swedish colleagues to accept a compromise and conclude peace. Supporters of the Chancellor Oxensherna pursued a policy of maximum satisfaction of requirements, that is, the annexation of the whole of Pomerania. Queen Christina’s supporters tended to compromise. French diplomats actively supported the advocates of a compromise. In Paris, negotiations were underway with the Queen’s representative, Count De la Gardie. The French ambassadors at the congress sent a letter to their colleague so that he would personally speak with the queen. So far, the efforts of the French delegation have not brought success, including due to internal strife.

Keywords

• french delegation
• swedish ambassadors
• pomerania
• elector of brandenburg