Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

Rzeczpospolita is a state that was formed in the sixteenth century in Eastern Europe. The new power included the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with its lands (truly Lithuanian and affiliated) and Poland with the same lands. The state existed for about two centuries, until the aggressive Austro-Hungary and Russia divided the lands of the Commonwealth. The first section of Rzeczpospolita marked the beginning of the end of the great country, which had bright pages in its history.

So, the merging of the two countries was noticeable from the end of the fourteenth century. Then, in order to defend themselves against the Teutonic Order, Poland and Lithuania created a temporary military-political alliance to repel the enemy. This union was formally cemented by an interdinastic marriage between Lithuanian Jagail and Polish Jadwiga. The ruling dynasties became related, and so did the powers. But as you know, nothing is more permanent than temporary, so this military-political alliance continued to exist peacefully under the leadership of the first representative of the Lithuanian dynasty, and then - the Polish one. Subsequently, the poles were more at the helm, which in fact usurped power in the state.

Such a rapprochement was facilitated by the close way of life of Poles and Lithuanians. These two nations had much in common, despite fundamental differences, for example in faith. Nevertheless, a little more than a hundred years, this alliance remained fairly stable.

Officially the formation of the Commonwealth took place only a hundred and fifty years later, in 1569. For this union both sides, especially the Lithuanians, who sought equal rights with the Polish gentry, stood up for it. In turn, the Poles have long laid eyes on Ukrainian fertile lands, much of which was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Rzeczpospolita was established at the Lublin Seim, which brought together delegates from two countries. The Poles at the Sejm clearly defended the idea of the full inclusion of Lithuanian lands in the Rzeczpospolita. On the part of the Lithuanians there were proposals to conclude an equilateral union. The Lublin Sejm was overshadowed by multiple insinuations from the Poles. Lithuanians even had to leave the negotiations in order to defuse the situation and buy time. In one such absence, Poland arbitrarily incorporated almost all Ukrainian lands into its structure. Naturally, the Lithuanian side could not tolerate such antics from the Poles, so the Lithuanians have repeatedly insisted on mutually beneficial conditions, and not unilateral, as Poland showed. While such friction continued, the Livonian War continued , which had a negative impact on Lithuania. The international situation did not allow the Lithuanians to set their own terms, so after some time of hesitation the Lithuanian side returned to Lublin and agreed to unpopular points for it in the document. From now on, a new state appeared on the map of Europe - Rzeczpospolita. On all points it became obvious that a lot of conciliatory work was done, during which it was possible to obtain a compromise solution. The gentry of both countries became even closer together.

Rzeczpospolita during its existence spent a lot of time in the war. The unconquered Ukrainian Cossacks greatly brought more trouble than the benefits of their service. Almost the entire time of its existence, Rzeczpospolita conducted a constant war with them. And after the conclusion of the union of Ukraine and Russia, another new enemy was added. Although the Russian power fought against the Poles in favor of Ukraine, it nevertheless found common ground for joint missions. Thus, according to the Andrusov Treaty, the Ukrainian territory was divided. Poland gained control over the Right Bank, but by the will of fate, the same Russia, Rzeczpospolita will be divided and will end its existence.