Polish-Russian Relations in Stanisław-August Poniatowski’s Time. The Partitions of Poland
Polish-Russian Relations in Stanisław-August Poniatowski’s Time. The Partitions of Poland

Summary/Abstract: Far into the 17th century, the Republic of Two Nations [Rzeczpospolita Obojga Narodów], that is, the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, seemed to be one of the most powerful countries in the world. Diverse problems such as the wars with Turkey, Russia and Sweden notwithstanding, the Commonwealth did enjoy military successes, the best evidence of which was undoubtedly the subjugation of Moscow during the Time of Troubles or Jan Sobieski’s victory at the Battle of Vienna against the Ottoman Turks led by the Grand Vizier, Kara Mustafa, in 1683. Those few, yet still spectacular, victories relaxed the vigilance of the Polish Republic and no significant reforms were introduced to facilitate functioning of the country in the 17th and the first half of the 18th century. The lack of reforms and a limited royal power contributed to the Republic no longer being an equal to her neighbours: Russia, Prussia and Austria, all of which were developing particularly fast during that period of time.

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