The episode discusses the Targowica Confederation, a group of Polish magnates who, in 1792, asked for Russian help to overthrow the Polish Constitution of May 3. The magnates, led by Szczęsny Potocki, Seweryn Rzewuski, Franciszek Branicki, and Szymon Kossakowski, were motivated by a desire to maintain their power and wealth, which they believed the constitution threatened.
The Russians, led by Catherine II, agreed to help the magnates, and a war broke out between Poland and Russia. Despite initial enthusiasm and support from the Polish people, the war effort was hindered by poor leadership, including King Stanisław August Poniatowski, who eventually joined the Targowica party.
The war ended with the Second Partition of Poland, in which Russia and Prussia took control of large parts of the country. The Polish Parliament, under pressure from Russian troops, was forced to agree to the partition.
The episode concludes by reflecting on the mistakes of the past and how they can serve as a lesson for the present. The hosts argue that the Targowica Confederation's actions were motivated by short-sightedness and greed, and that similar mistakes are still being made today. They appeal to their listeners to work together for the common good and to prioritize the interests of future generations.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Constitution of May 3 was introduced in Poland to improve government and the army.
2. The Constitution of May 3 introduced hereditary succession to the throne and abolished the liberum veto.
3. The Constitution of May 3 deprived the poorest nobility of the right to vote.
4. The Constitution of May 3 allowed townspeople to buy land and gave peasants a little more freedom.
5. Catherine II, the Tsarina of Russia, opposed the Constitution of May 3.
6. Prussia also opposed the Constitution of May 3, fearing it would lead to a strong Poland.
7. A group of Polish magnates, including Szczęsny Potocki, Seweryn Rzewuski, Franciszek Branicki, and Szymon Kossakowski, opposed the Constitution of May 3.
8. The Polish magnates asked Russia for help in overthrowing the Constitution of May 3.
9. The Targowica Confederation was formed in 1792 to achieve this goal.
10. The Targowica Confederation was signed on April 27, 1792, in St. Petersburg.
11. The Confederation asked Russia to provide military support to overthrow the Constitution of May 3.
12. Catherine II agreed to support the Confederation and provided 100,000 Russian soldiers to invade Poland.
13. The war between Poland and Russia began in 1792.
14. King Stanisław August Poniatowski initially supported the Constitution of May 3 but later joined the Targowica Confederation.
15. The partition agreement was signed on January 23, 1793, between Prussia and Russia, dividing Poland.
16. The partition agreement was ratified by the Grodno Sejm, which was the last Sejm of the First Polish Republic.
17. The Kościuszko Uprising broke out in 1794, but it failed to restore Poland's independence.
18. Poland completely disappeared from the map in 1795.