Candidature of Ivan the Terrible for the throne of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the Polish political pamphlets of the period of first “free election” (1572-1574)

Abstract

This article analyzes the Polish political pamphlets published during the time of first “free election” (1572-1574), the candidature of Ivan the Terrible or one of his sons was nominated for the throne of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The main goal consists in answering the question: did the Russian Tzar have a substantial number of supporters among the Polish-Lithuanian ruling elite, and did he have a chance for being elected as the king of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1573. The author applies the following methods of research: analysis, synthesis, comparison, induction, deduction, problem-chronological, historical-genetic, objectivity, and historicism. The author translates the fragments of these pamphlets, as well as introduces them into the Russian scientific discourse for the first time. The conclusion is made on the significant support of “Moscovian candidate” by the Polish public opinion, and under the certain circumstances, his great chances to be elected for the Polish-Lithuanian throne. The author refutes the thesis presented in the modern Polish historiography on “miniscule” chance of Ivan the Terrible to become the king of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.