In the mid-17th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was a vast and influential power in Europe, renowned for its political system of Golden Liberty and its diverse cultural landscape. However, internal strife and external threats had begun to weaken its foundations. The liberum veto, which allowed any member of parliament to block legislation, often led to political paralysis. This internal instability, coupled with the exhaustion from decades of warfare with neighboring powers, created the perfect storm for what was to come.
The Deluge began with the Swedish invasion of 1655, which swept through Poland with astonishing speed. While Sweden had long eyed Polish territory, the opportunity to strike came when the Commonwealth was at its weakest, embroiled in conflicts with Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and internal rebellions.