Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (Rzeczpospolita) was one of the largest states in early-modern Europe, formed by the Union of Lublin (1569). Governed by an elected king and a noble parliament (Sejm) with liberum veto, it declined through internal paralysis and was partitioned between Russia, Prussia, and Austria in three stages (1772, 1793, 1795).

• Existed: 1569 CE – 1795 CE
• Type: Republic
• Government: Elected monarchy (Sejm-based noble republic)
• Capital: Krakow