06/02/2025
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Strategy & Tactics Quarterly #29
Ottoman Empire
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Ch. 5, Turning Point Vienna to Selim III (1683–1797)
Leopold started with a diplomatic offensive and gained the support of Pope Innocent XI. Throughout history, the Papacy had been the focal point for a united Christian effort against the Muslim power, so it was significant that the Pope backed Leopold’s cause. King Sobieski also joined the anti-Ottoman alliance with his powerful army, which included the renowned Polish Hussar cavalry known for their devastating charges.
In theory, Leopold’s main strength came from the Holy Roman Empire itself. The Empire’s various principalities and free cities were organized into Kreise (Defense Circles), which could be called upon to raise armies for the Reichsarmee (Imperial Army). The Imperial Diet (Parliament) provided direction and crucial funding to this end.
Leopold faced a dilemma due to the aftermath of the Wars of Religion. The emperor strongly supported the Counter-Reformation, backing the Catholics against the Protestants. As a result, he alienated many Hungarian Protestants, who saw an Ottoman advance against the Empire as an opportunity for more autonomy. Additionally, a number of German states, especially Brandenburg and Saxony, were officially Protestant. However, some states, like Bavaria, were pro-Catholic. Despite these differences, many of the Protestant princes recognized the threat of Ottoman expansion against Christian states regardless of denomination. German armies, under the command of Duke Charles of Lorraine, marched in support of Leopold. Jan Sobieski and his Polish Commonwealth army, along with small reinforcements of Wallachians, Cossacks, and Swedes, also marched to Vienna to aid the cause.
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