Helsingør (KAP) - On 15 of April 1474 Grand Duchy of Finland, Principality of Greater Poland and Duchy of Novgorod unexpectedly to the whole Baltic region formed an alliance and named it, rather confusingly - Baltic Union.
Confusingly, because the Baltic Union did exist in the past. It was signed fifteen years ago, in 1459 by the Castellan of the Principality of Mazovia (Jegon Kochański), the King of Finland (Wilhelm Johann "Villef" vom Blauberg), Grand Duke of the Novgorod Republic (Lioshich) and later as well by the King of Denmark (Johan Kashmir de Arenfeldt).
The Baltic Union did exist for a while, exchanging information, securing ports and hunting piracy together. Apart from the military support, there was also trade, diplomacy and I hope, I won’t exaggerate saying that there was also a friendship. Despite the fact that Sweden never became an official member they took a part in the exchange and also were supported by the Union.
In September 1461 Finland informed, that their Council was considering denouncing the treaty and calling it “obsolete”. Discussion about possible improvement led to inviting Sweden to formally join the alliance pushed by Bartram von dem Winter, Chancellor of the Embassy of Finland. The same one that just a few days later announced Finland leaving the treaty on 24th of October. Bartram explained that friendship and trade worked great, still BU pact is a military pact and that element is not working properly.
As a proof to that fact states that when in 26th October 1461, Finnish battle cog Ilmarinen commanded by Mustakettu and Truman sunk a ship in Gelfe’s port, Sweden released a warning to BU countries informing that “a ship is not under legitimate control anymore” they did not assume betrayal, they assumed ship being stolen. Finnish officials confirmed that scenario and promised investigation and lawful punishment for the guilty.
On 1st of October Ilmarinen returned to Rauma and sank another swedish ship - scout Nautilus. Finns dropped the masks. Captains and crew were welcomed as heroes. In the meantime Commander of the Finnish Navy “investigated the incident” and was unable to prove which ship did start the shooting. Two captains of the pirate ship were awarded for victory in battle. Attackers on Swedish ships were welcomed with celebration. Despite obviously betraying friendship and neighbours. The Fins did not betray the treaty, as they officially denounced it two days before the attack.
November 1462 brought back Bartram von dem Winter for the table of discussing the correct form of Baltic Union. Finland asked to negotiate Sweden joining the Union and as well, other two principalities of Poland, making it a pact signed with the whole Kingdom of Poland. Later arrangements were moved to more private rooms and no notes survived. Just like proofs if Finland officially returned to the Union. Nevertheless, a union in some shape did exist and kept exchanging information about safety in the Baltic, despite distrust built up between neighbours.
March 1463 brought pirates from Wielkopolska principality to the coast of Sweden. Baltic Union, partially asleep, woke up. Mazovia supported the Swedes with ships, and Finland responded as well to the fight with Outlaws.
In August Swedes brought back bandites from Wielkopolska to the Kingdom of Poland, which ended up breaking diplomatic relations between the Polish crown and Sweden.
In June 1464 brought a new threat to the Baltic. La Banda took over the sea with five war carracks. They were well organized pirate group of great sailors, bold speakers and restless fighters. Captain Monsterix, Captain Nazaj and Efesto, Captain Diego_alatriste, Captain Camlost and Captain Dellaca with her Diablo Rojo terrorized the Baltic.
La Banda requested 15.000 pounds to leave the area in peace. Their actions were placed mostly against Finland who organized an attack for a one of La Banda’s captains Miguelson, although no one could feel safe.
These events proved to be a challenge that the Baltic Union was unable to handle. La Banda left on their own, not even being chased by the united fleet of the Baltic. The Baltic Union gradually fell apart without ever being officially dissolved.
But back to the present. The Baltic Union treaty was never dissolved. In August last year discussions were held regarding the renewal of the Union, about which you can read more here: Baltic Union reneval
So, when on 15 of April 1474 Grand Duchy of Finland, Principality of Greater Poland and Duchy of Novgorod unexpectedly to the whole Baltic region, formed an alliance and named it, Baltic Union, the news caused some concern and a stir among residents of Poland, Sweden, and Denmark.
The people of Sweden, however, seemed particularly concerned. And no wonder: the Jörmungandr serpent had bitten its own tail, and the cycle of history had come full circle. With some details changed. In 1471 Finland denounced the Treaty, to remain honest to themselves during the attack on the Swedes, this time they signed the treaty to feel powerful enough to do it. In the evening of 18th of April (three days after signing the treaty) a united fleet of the Baltic Union attacked the port of Gefle. Three Finnish battle cogs, three Finnish Battle Carracks and one Battle Carrack from Wielkopolska County (that one with suspiciously freshly painted name) surrounded Gefle’s port, blocking completely the way of escape, and started to shoot. Ship after ship went to the seabed to the rhythm of cannonballs. Shooting stopped in the afternoon the next day, just to reveal that every vessel, be it armed or not armed, was attacked and sunk. Gefle’s harbour was completely wiped out, and it took a while to count the losses. The final calculations revealed a loss of three barges, two cogs, two genovese ships, three battle cogs and one battle carrack. Leaving the whole Swedish harbour empty.
With that act the Baltic Union became its own mockery. We can read the first words of the Treaty “With the welfare and prosperity of the nations of the Baltic Sea region in mind, as well as the security and prosperity of our lands(...) ”. The question that comes to mind is if Novogrod knew that on the day of signing the treaty of peace to the Baltic area, ships of Wielkopolska and Finland already were on their way to raid Swedish harbour.
The balance of the Baltic Sea was shattered the day the Baltic Union was signed by the two nations responsible for the majority of pirate attacks over the past two years. And we’re not talking about small-scale piracy here, but piracy at the very top—ships captained by the castellans of those duchies and supported by them*.
Although something unexpected happened on 28th of May. The weather was hot for a long time, and the sun warmed up the surface of the sea, when a cold wind arrived from the north. The wind picked up, the waves began to build, and the sea became rough.That started a great storm on the North Sea, a storm that took your breath away and snapped masts. That wind brought a rumour that the sea swallowed whole Finnish battle carracks. But if there is a seed of truth in this… Only time will tell. Those who advocate for peace in the Baltic region would like the rumor to turn out to be true.
Surprisingly to all, it was the weather that reopened discussion about the desired shape of the Baltic Union. On 28th of May, Katarina-Sofia the Admiral of Novogrod drafted a statement, where she wrote that current structure needs to be reviewed and additional members of Sweden and Finland must be considered to ensure safety. She also emphasized that hostility and aggression must be strictly unacceptable.
Will Katarina begin to implement changes that will truly transform the Baltic Union? Will Finland and Greater Poland heed her words and actually cease their aggression? Only time will tell. We look forward to seeing those changes.
Shanika Monte, for Northern KAP
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Article validated by Solveig Thorsen, Editor-in-Chief of Northern KAP. Do you want a right to respond? Visit us or go to the KAP reception desk. Would you like to report a breach of the KAP Charter to the College of Chief Editors? Go to the KAP international headquarters.
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* On 17th of November 1472, Wielkopolska Prince Kasjan sunken merchant heading to Sweden, along with Platyna, multiple time Countess of Wielkopolska
* Angel_de_la_muerte Count of Finland started to lead pirate attacks in Baltic during Gefle attack on 18th of April, but he continued later with barges and other merchant ships up to 24th of May, when he sunk a ship in Kiel’s canal
13/07/1474 Valet av Kungadömet Sveriges råd : FSR har fått en majoritet av platserna.