Imperial Encroachments

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the lecture on the partitions of Poland and the historical context surrounding them.

Partition of Poland

The division of the territory of Poland-Lithuania among Russia, Prussia, and Austria, occurring in three stages: 1772, 1793, and 1795.

Rejtan

Tadeusz Rejtan, a Polish noble who dramatically protested against the first partition of Poland in 1773.

Sejm

The legislative assembly of Poland-Lithuania, which approved the partitions despite noble protests.

Catherine the Great

Empress of Russia (1762-1796) known for her ambitions to expand the Russian Empire and for placing Stanislaw August Poniatowski on the Polish throne.

Great Sejm

A period of significant reform in Poland that aimed at modernization, including the establishment of the Education Committee and the Constitution of 1791.

Liberum Veto

A principle in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth that allowed any member of the Sejm to dissolve the assembly, leading to instability and foreign influence.

Tadeusz Kosciuszko

A Polish-Lithuanian general and national hero who fought for Polish independence and was involved in the American War of Independence.

Casimir Pulaski

A Polish nobleman and military commander who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 18th century that emphasized reason and individualism over tradition, often used to justify imperial interventions in Eastern Europe.

Confederation of Bar

An association of Polish nobles formed in 1768 to defend their rights against foreign intervention, which ultimately failed to prevent the partition.

Illusion of Greatness

The perception of Poland-Lithuania as a powerful entity despite being politically weakened by foreign kings and internal conflicts.

Great Northern War

A conflict from 1700-1721 that involved several European powers and significantly impacted Poland-Lithuania by depopulating the area due to warfare and plague.