Partitions of Poland
Introduction
The Partitions of Poland, also known as the Partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, were a series of three partitions that took place towards the end of the 18th century and ended the existence of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, resulting in the elimination of sovereign Poland and Lithuania for 123 years. The partitions were conducted by the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and Habsburg Austria, which divided up the Commonwealth lands among themselves progressively in the process of territorial seizures.
Background
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was created by the Union of Lublin in 1569 and by the beginning of the 18th century, the state's powerful magnates, often in conflict with the monarchy, had drained the nation of its vitality. The Commonwealth's political system, characterized by its unique Golden Liberty, had descended into anarchy, the Commonwealth's population was deeply divided, and its economy was in shambles.
First Partition
The First Partition occurred in 1772 with the Commonwealth's neighbors, keen to take advantage of the situation, coordinating their efforts in the Partition Sejm. Despite the protests of the Commonwealth's delegation, the three partitioning powers, Russia, Prussia, and Austria, agreed to the territorial division.
Second Partition
The Second Partition was carried out in 1793, only twenty years after the first. This time, Russia and Prussia were the sole participants, with Austria abstaining due to internal difficulties. This partition was justified on the grounds that the May 3rd Constitution adopted by the Commonwealth was a threat to the balance of power in Europe.
Third Partition
The Third Partition, in 1795, resulted in the erasure of the over 400-year-old Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the map of Europe. The partitioning powers, this time including Austria, divided all remaining territories of the Commonwealth between them, effectively ending the existence of an independent Polish and Lithuanian state until 1918.
Aftermath
The aftermath of the partitions saw Poland and Lithuania divided among the three powers, with the Polish-Lithuanian identity suppressed by the authorities. Despite this, the idea of Polish independence was kept alive throughout the 19th century, leading to a series of uprisings and ultimately, the re-establishment of Poland as an independent state in 1918.