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Chapter I

In 1764 Stanisław August Poniatowski was elected as new King and Grand Duke. It was a success of Russian diplomacy, which believed that he will continue current state of anarchy. King however wanted to reform the Commonwealth. First reforms were introduced on Convocation Sejm. Reforms weren't supported by Russia, intrusted in mantaining current status quo.

Important position on royal court held russian ambassador Nicholas Repnin. He was supported by empress Catherine II. His position gave him real influence on the Commonwealth.

One of polish problems was religious intolerance, total opposite from situation one hundred years ago. While Western Europe began to tolerate protestants, war with lutheran Sweden deepened intolerance and catholic faith of nobles. Repnin wanted to use this situation in order to get rid of Poniatowski's reforms. In Radom he organised confederation in order to defend people of other faith, return old liberties and cancel king's reforms. King wanted to use army in order to crush rebellion, however russian army supported confederation. Confederated Sejm was tied in Warsaw, worked under russian bayonetes. Repnin dictated new legislation called "Cardinal Laws", guaranteing "Golden Liberty", which in reality made Commonwealth dependant on Russia. Poniatowski was dethronized and new king, Frederick Augustus I Wettin was elected.
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