Polish-Russian Conflicts and Efforts Aimed at Reconciliation
Polish-Russian Conflicts and Efforts Aimed at Reconciliation

Summary/Abstract: Polish-Russian relations boast a centuries-old history, older than the modern Russian or Polish statehood. However, it seems fair to start this tale in the 18th century, that is, the era of partitions, which will also mark here the beginning of modern conflicts. Quite recent if approached from the perspective of history, yet simultaneously quite distant, when a contemporary human ponders upon them – those conflicts have been arousing emotions not only in experts. For 123 years, since 1795 till the end of World War I in 1918, Poles were deprived of their independent country. The agony was initiated with the First Partition in 1772 – that was the time when, as it seems, neither was there turning back, nor hope for securing the territory. However, it must be noted that the Republic had been ailing throughout the 18th century and the infirmities, in many cases, were induced by the patient herself. Therefore, the final fall of the country that coincided with the Third Partition should be understood in symbolic terms.

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