Battle of Vaslui, 1475 AD

In the late 15th century, the Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Mehmed II, sought to expand its influence in Europe. Moldavia, under Prince Stefan the Third, became a significant obstacle. Despite being surrounded by powerful neighbors, Stefan skillfully navigated alliances and military strategies to maintain Moldavia's independence. He defied Ottoman demands, leading to a military campaign. The Ottomans, led by Suleiman Pasha, faced harsh conditions and Moldavian resistance. The pivotal Battle of Vaslui in 1475 saw Stefan's forces decisively defeat the Ottomans, securing Moldavia's autonomy and ushering in a golden age.

What was Sultan Mehmed the Second's initial plan before moving his armies towards Central Europe?

• To form an alliance with Poland

• To conquer the Mongols

• To pacify Wallachia

• To invade the Hungarian Kingdom

How did Stefan the Third come to power in Moldavia?

• With the help of the Ottoman Empire

• By defeating the Hungarians

• With the aid of Vlad the Third's horsemen

• Through diplomatic ties with Poland

How did Stefan the Third ensure Moldavia's independence during his reign?

• By isolating Moldavia from external influences

• By surrendering key territories

• By paying tribute to the Ottomans

• By forming alliances with powerful neighbors

What was Stefan's response to Mehmed's ultimatum?

• He sought an alliance with Wallachia

• He agreed to pay tribute

• He refused and prepared for war

• He surrendered the city of Killia

What challenges did the Ottoman army face during their campaign in Moldavia?

• Harsh winter conditions

• All of the above

• Lack of supplies

• Moldavian ambushes

What was the strategic move made by Stefan to weaken the Ottoman army?

• He formed an alliance with Hungary

• He poisoned the waters and evacuated the population

• He surrendered Moldavia

• He attacked the Ottoman rear

During the Battle of Vaslui, what tactic did Stefan use to trap the Ottoman forces?

• He lured them into a marshy area

• He attacked from the rear with archers

• He used naval forces to block their retreat

• He used heavy cavalry to charge directly

What was the outcome of the Battle of Vaslui for the Ottoman army?

• They successfully captured Moldavia

• They retreated in chaos

• They formed a new alliance with Moldavia

• They captured Stefan the Third

What was the significance of Stefan's victory at the Battle of Vaslui?

• It marked the end of Ottoman expansion

• It led to Stefan's recognition as a great ruler

• It resulted in a peace treaty with the Ottomans

• It caused the fall of the Ottoman Empire

What was the long-term impact of Stefan the Third's rule in Moldavia?

• It caused a civil war in Moldavia

• It led to Moldavia's decline

• It ushered in a Golden Age

• It resulted in Moldavia's annexation by Hungary