Ryga wobec rozpadu średniowiecznych władztw terytorialnych w Inflantach

All parties involved in the conflict in Livonia in the mid-sixteenth century, wanted to profit from trade with the East, and strived to control the important strategic and commercial point - Riga. Proposals to surrender and guarantees to keep existing rights were made by envoys of Moscow Tsar Ivan the Terrible, the Danish prince Magnus, the Swedish King Erik XIV and the Polish King Sigismund Augustus. Despite the formal subordination of the Teutonic Order and the Archbishop, Riga led independent and even contrary to the actions of its feudal lords policy. In 1561, Riga did not follow them and did not make a tribute to the king on which Sigismund Augustus and Lithuanians counted. Control of the Daugava was in the vital interest of the Lithuanian nobles, who expected creation of navigable channel of corresponding importance to the Vistula River in the Crown and the increase in exports of raw materials from the northern part of principality. Riga made the submission to the new ruler conditional on a number of stipulations. In addition to the approval of the old privileges and religious freedom for the Lutheran confessions the city of Riga demanded a guarantee of protection against restrictions of the emperor and princes of the Reich, and the subordination of Livonia to Poland, not to Lithuania that was too weak in Riga’s opinion. The necessary guarantees were granted by so called "Cautio Radziviliana prior", issued by the governor of Vilna Mikołaj "The Black" Radziwiłł on September 8th , 1561. These promises were not fulfilled, so the delegation of the city of Riga had not make a tribute to Sigismund Augustus on November 28th, 1561, opposed to its superiors: Gotthard Kettler, and Archbishop Wilhelm and Livonian states. In this situation Radziwill tried to surrender Riga directly Sigismund Augustus. After lengthy negotiations, the city agreed to a "conditional" surrender and an oath of fidelity, which would have been in force only when the promises had been fulfilled. Promises were included in "Cautio Radziviliana posteriori", issued by Radziwiłł on March 17th, 1562. The reluctance of the Crown to engage in the affairs of Livonian, defeat of Lithuanian army and hollow promises caused that the city considered itself to be exempt from the oath to the king. The middle-class opposition was against subjection the city of Riga to Sigismund Augustus. They blocked submission to Lithuania and the King for fear of strengthening the position of the city council, the expansion of the nobility and loss of privileges. They were not so much against King’s sovereignty, as against any strong public authority. As long did the council need support of the guild in adopting contribution taxes for war, the army and the development of the fortifications, as long Riga ran a consistent, separatist politics. It was possible to 1581.