John III of Sweden vs Wladyslaw IV Vasa

John III was crowned King of Sweden after deposing his half-brother Eric XIV. His reign focused on religious reconciliation and cultural patronage, including the introduction of the Red Book liturgy.

John III ordered the continued imprisonment of his deposed half-brother Eric XIV, who was held at various castles until his death in 1577. This secured John's throne but created a lasting stain on his reign.

John III continued Sweden's involvement in the Livonian War against Russia, seeking control over Estonia and Livonia. The war ended inconclusively in 1583 with the Treaty of Plussa, ceding some territories to Sweden.

John III invited Jesuit priests to Sweden to promote Catholic-Lutheran dialogue and secretly negotiated with the Papacy about a possible reunion. The mission failed due to Protestant opposition and the Jesuits' expulsion in 1580.

John III issued the Red Book (Liturgy of 1576), a new church liturgy that incorporated Catholic elements into Lutheran worship. This attempt to reconcile Catholicism and Lutheranism caused conflict with the Swedish clergy and nobility.

Władysław IV Vasa was elected Tsar of Russia by a faction of boyars during the Time of Troubles. He was never crowned due to opposition from his father Sigismund III, who sought the throne for himself, leading to the failure of the Polish-Russian union.

Władysław IV Vasa, as a prince, commanded Polish forces at the Battle of Chocim against the Ottoman Empire. The Polish-Lithuanian army held off the Ottoman siege, leading to a peace treaty that secured the Commonwealth's southern border.

Władysław IV Vasa led a campaign to recapture Smolensk from Muscovy during the Smolensk War. The Polish victory resulted in the Treaty of Polyanovka, which confirmed Polish control over Smolensk and secured a 20-year truce.

Władysław IV Vasa attempted to strengthen royal power by proposing reforms to make the monarchy hereditary and reduce noble privileges. The plan failed due to opposition from the szlachta, who feared absolutism, and the king's lack of funds.

Władysław IV Vasa secretly planned a large-scale war against the Ottoman Empire, seeking to unite the Cossacks and European allies. The plan was exposed and opposed by the nobility and the Sejm, forcing the king to abandon it and weakening his authority.