The Great powers and Poland : the national and international dynamics behind the first partition of Poland

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the factors behind the first partition of Poland in 1772. The interaction of the national dynamics of Poland and the balance of power in Eastern Europe during the period from the election of Poniatowski in 1764 with Russian and Prussian support until the first partition of Poland will be examined. The occurence of the Polish nationalist reaction with the Russian and Prussian interference into Poland’s internal affairs will be analyzed. The internationalization of the Polish problem with the start of the Russo-Ottoman War of 1768-1774, which occured through the spread of Polish civil war to neighboring countries will be assessed. The diplomatic maneouvring of the other two powers of Eastern Europe, Austria and Prussia, on the course of the RussoOttoman War will be emphasized. It enquire how it was that factors of regional balancing culminated in the first partition of Poland.