First Partition of Poland

Background. By the late 18th century the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth had declined from European-power status to near-protectorate of Russia, whose tsar effectively chose Polish–Lithuanian monarchs and shaped internal politics. Russian victories against the Ottomans in the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774) then strengthened Russia and endangered Habsburg interests, particularly in Moldavia and Wallachia, making the growth of Russian power the primary motive behind the partition.

Diplomatic Negotiations. Frederick the Great engineered the partition to prevent Austria, envious of Russian successes against the Ottomans, from going to war. His brother Prince Henry spent the winter of 1770–71 as a representative of the Prussian court at Saint Petersburg, where Catherine II and General Ivan Chernyshyov suggested to him that Prussia claim some land currently held by Poland, such as Ermland. Henry then convinced Frederick and Empress Maria Theresa that tripartite division would preserve the balance of power. Kaunitz's counter-proposal was rejected.

Signature and Ratification. Prussia and Russia concluded a prior agreement at Saint Petersburg on February 6, 1772, and the partition agreement was signed in Vienna on February 19, 1772. The signatories ratified the treaty on September 22, 1772. With Poland unable to defend itself and foreign troops already inside the country, the Sejm convened by the three powers ratified the partition in 1773, and on September 18, 1773 a committee signed the treaty of cession renouncing Commonwealth claims.