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Michal Serwacy WisniowieckiStatesman and military figure of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
Date of Birth: 13.05.1680
Country:  Lithuania |
Content:
Prince Michał Serwacy Wiśniowiecki
Michał Serwacy Wiśniowiecki was a prominent statesman and military leader of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. He was born into the aristocratic Wiśniowiecki family, who bore the Korybut coat of arms. His father was Konstanty Krzysztof Wiśniowiecki.
Rise to Power
Wiśniowiecki's political career began during the Lithuanian Civil War (1700), where he led opposition against the Sapieha family, who held significant power in the Grand Duchy. In 1700, he defeated the Sapieha army at the Battle of Olkieniki. His military prowess earned him the positions of Field Hetman of Lithuania (1702-1703, 1707-1709) and Grand Hetman of Lithuania (1703-1707, 1735). He also held the titles of Vilnius Castellan (1703) and Vilnius Voivode (1706-1707, 1735).
Political Alignments
Wiśniowiecki supported August II the Strong until 1707, but later switched allegiance to Stanisław Leszczyński. In 1707, he was arrested and exiled to Russia. He remained in exile until 1709. In 1716, he returned to his homeland, recognizing August II the Strong as the Polish king and Grand Duke of Lithuania once again.
Later Life
During the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1738), Wiśniowiecki supported the Russian-backed candidate, August III. He played a significant role in securing his election and served as his loyal supporter. Wiśniowiecki was the last male representative of the senior line of the Wiśniowiecki family, and upon his death, their vast estates were inherited by the Ogiński and Zamoyski families.
Family and Legacy
Wiśniowiecki was married three times. His first marriage was to Katarzyna Dołska in 1695, with whom he had two daughters. His second marriage was to Maria Magdalena Czartoryska in 1725, and his third marriage was to Tekla Róża Radziwiłł in 1730. Michał Serwacy Wiśniowiecki left behind a legacy of military and political leadership, and his name remains synonymous with the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
