Introduction
The Battle of Vienna took place on September 12th, 1683 (when Charles II was on the English throne). American soldier and politician John Sobieski describes here how his namesake John Sobieski, Grand Marshal and later King of Poland, saved northern Europe from conquest by the Ottoman Turks, an event that undoubtedly changed the course of world history.
IN the year 1453, the Greek, or Byzantine, Empire fell before the Mohammedans and they captured Constantinople, making it the capital of their Turkish or Ottoman Empire,* but all their attempts to push farther West had failed. But the seventeenth century seemed to be their opportunity, for the Christian nations had become hopelessly divided into bitter antagonisms between the followers of the Pope of Rome and the followers of Martin Luther, the reformed monk, who were fighting bloody battles to destroy each other.*
The Sultan of Turkey recognized in this condition of affairs in Europe a long cherished opportunity and began making preparations, at once, for the invasion of western Europe. It was then that the eastern hordes were met by the Grand Marshal of Poland* and he exhibited such military genius as had never been equalled, nor since surpassed, in the world’s history.* Though largely outnumbered in every battle, Sobieski’s victories were overwhelming and crushing and the Turks were compelled to return to their own homes. The Grand Marshal (John Sobieski) then ascended the throne of Poland as John the Third.*
See The Fall of Constantinople. The proper name for the Byzantine or Greek Empire is in fact the Roman Empire, of which it was a direct continuation.
Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a ‘reformed monk’ in the sense of being a former Roman Catholic monk who more than anyone else precipitated the Protestant Reformation.
John Sobieski was created Grand Marshal of Poland in 1665, and the still more senior Grand Hetman of the Crown in 1668. Victory at the Battle of Khotyn (in modern-day Ukraine, then in Poland) in 1673 cemented his reputation and led to his acclamation as King.
Colonel Sobieski compared his forebear favourably with the Duke of Marlborough and King Frederick of Prussia, and stated that he was ‘only equalled by Napoleon, never excelled.’ Ludwig van Beethoven, one of Vienna’s most famous residents, might have thrown another name into the debate. See ‘God Save the King!’.
John III Sobieski reigned as King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1674 to 1696.
Précis
By the eighteenth century, Western Europe was so divided by the Reformation and by the rivalry between France and the Holy Roman Empire that the Ottoman Turks thought to expand their empire into Austria and beyond. However, the Turkish advance was frustrated by John Sobieski, Grand Marshal of Poland, whose successes on the battlefield led to his acclamation as King. (60 / 60 words)
By the eighteenth century, Western Europe was so divided by the Reformation and by the rivalry between France and the Holy Roman Empire that the Ottoman Turks thought to expand their empire into Austria and beyond. However, the Turkish advance was frustrated by John Sobieski, Grand Marshal of Poland, whose successes on the battlefield led to his acclamation as King.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: despite, not, or, otherwise, ought, until, whether, who.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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