Szymon Kossakowski

Dzieje jednej kariery

Abstract

Simon Kossakowski. A tale of one career

The article consists of two parts. The first part presents biographical data about the the last Grand Hetman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, especially his activities during the time of the Bar and Targowica Confederations. Primary emphasis is on the political, military, and diplomatic aspects of his career. The second part tries to analyze and evaluate his activities and career in the service of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, to understand the factors which helped determine his decisions, and to describe the attitudes of the traditionalist political group. The article contains much new archival material and challenges entrenched historical stereotypes.