Stanisław II August, born Stanisław Antoni Poniatowski (1732 to 1798) and also known as Stanislaus II Augustus, was King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1764 to 1795 and the last monarch of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Born into wealthy Polish aristocracy, he arrived as a diplomat at the Russian imperial court in Saint Petersburg in 1755, at the age of twenty-two, and became intimately involved with the future empress Catherine the Great. With her aid the Sejm elected him king in September 1764 after the death of Augustus III. Contrary to expectations, he attempted to reform and strengthen the large but ailing Commonwealth, and his efforts met with opposition from neighboring powers.
Facts
Connections
Drafted
Source Constitution of 3 May 1791 (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Stanisław August Poniatowski (Wikipedia)
Lead paragraphQuote, Lead paragraph
His efforts were met with external opposition from neighbouring Prussia, Russia and Austria, all committed to keeping the Commonwealth weak.
Constitution of 3 May 1791 (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationDrafted: Constitution of 3 May 1791, DraftingQuote, Drafted: Constitution of 3 May 1791, Drafting
The new constitution was drafted by the King, with contributions from Ignacy Potocki, Hugo Kołłątaj and others.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.