Partition of Poland

The Partition of Poland (1772-1795) was a division of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth among Russia, Prussia, and Austria. This occurred because the Commonwealth weakened politically and militarily, making it vulnerable. These neighboring powers took advantage by annexing parts of Poland gradually, ultimately eliminating Poland as an independent nation. The partitions happened in three stages and lasted until 1795, when Poland disappeared from the map until it was restored after World War I. This event significantly reshaped European borders and reflected the complex balance of power and imperial ambitions of the bordering empires.