A immense triumph of the Republic's troops at Orsa, which took place 510 years ago, stopped the expansion of Moscow for many decades, who as aggressors invaded our lands and wanted to eradicate Catholic religion from it. large Victorias of Polish and Lithuanian weapons besides broke the first alliance of Russians and Germans in history, which they established against the Republic.
Moscow began to be dangerous to the Republic erstwhile in 1380 her troops defeated the Mongol-Tatar army during the large conflict of the Kulic Field. The Grand Duchy of Moscow was then established and Moscow has since grown stronger. In time, she began to claim the right to regulation in the lands of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The pretext was the presence of Orthodox people there. The Moscals spread propaganda that Orthodox people in the Republic were oppressed and must be liberated. How akin propaganda slogans were preached by the Soviets, who attacked Poland on September 17, 1939, saying that they liberated Belarusians and Ukrainians.
The causes for which the conflict of Orsza was fought should be sought in 1492 erstwhile Moscow first attacked the east ends of the Republic. The fighting continued until 1494 and ended in a peace that was unfavorable for us, or the failure of certain lands in the east. As the Republic of Moscow knew it would not end there, so the preparations for war continued in both countries. For the first time, both armies stood close Orza in 1508, but the advantage of the armies of the Republic was so clear that Tsar Vasil III was frightened and asked for peace.
It was on his part a certain run, he did not search peace, he just wanted to buy time to strengthen his army and political position. In February 1514, Tsar Vasil III made an alliance in Moscow with Emperor Maximilian I Habsburg and the large master of the Teutonic Order Albrecht Hohenzollern. Russia first allied with Germany against the Republic. The intent of this covenant was to teardrop apart the lands of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Tsar Vasil III again attacked the ends of the Republic. His army was besieged by Minsk, Polock, Vitebsk and the primary intent of this aggression – Smolensk. In 1513 the Moskals besieged Smolensk twice, but without success. They managed to conquer this city, then belonging to the Republic, only in July 1514. Encouraged by this success they moved towards Vilnius. It is estimated that the Moscow army was very many – about 60 – 80 1000 armed and 300 cannons. The authorities of the Republic did not wait for the Tsar to stand with his army under the walls of Vilnius. A full of about 45,000 soldiers were mobilized. They were headed by Hetman the large Lithuanian Konstanty Ostrogski, an excellent commander and war strategist.
The Army of the Republic moved towards Smolensk. King Sigismund Old himself watched over the full operation. The strategy of the proceeding with the Moskals was developed by Konstanty Ostrogski and he commanded in the conflict of Orsza, in the vicinity of which, on a long road, the Republic's troops arrived on 7 September. Lithuanian–Polish forces crossed the River Dźwina, utilizing the then military novelty, 2 pontoon bridges.
On 8 September 1514, the conflict began by the Moscows hitting both flanks of the Republic's troops. Hetman Ostrogski ordered a counterattack that was so effective that the attack of Moscow troops was about to break down. The key minute of the conflict was the maneuver of an attack on the main forces of the enemy. This attack was designed to lure the Czars into a trap. The commander of the Republic of Poland, hetman Ostrogski abruptly ordered a retreat. The Moscals were certain of the victories. Then the moving ride went both ways. The Russians came consecutive into, waiting for them in the gorge of artillery. The guns did their job. The Russians were in chaos. Then the infantry of the Republic began to attack. Right after her, regrouped driving squads attacked both Russian flanks. The ranks of Moscow “cracked with a bang”. Despite their numerical advantage, they began to flee in fear and yet suffered a terrible defeat.
The losses of the Russians are estimated at 30,000 killed and 3,000 taken prisoner, the full Moscow camp including a solid war trophy – 300 cannons. The chief of the imperial armies of Ivan Cheladin and many another crucial fighters were taken prisoner.
The conflict of Orsza was 1 of the largest military clashes in Europe in the early 16th century. The triumph was won in a large style. Historians describe them as the second, after the conflict of Grunwald, the largest Victoria of Polish and Lithuanian weapons. Dangerous due to its mobility, the Moscow army was practically liquidated, and with Smolensk it had to flee the Tsar Wasyl III. For half a century, the danger of Russian attacks on the Republic of Poland was averted.
Adam Białous
