The Union of Lublin

The Union of Lublin, established in 1569, was a significant agreement between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, creating a single state known as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This union aimed to strengthen both nations against external threats, particularly from Russia and Sweden. It allowed for a shared government, allowing both territories to maintain their own laws and customs while uniting under a common monarch. This arrangement fostered a period of prosperity and cultural flourishing, making the Commonwealth one of the largest and most influential states in Europe during the late 16th and 17th centuries.