War in Defence of the Constitution

Quick Facts: Who was War in Defence of the Constitution?

Subject:

War in Defence of the Constitution

Known for:

Conflict between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Russian Empire over constitutional reform.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Polish–Russian War of 1792 (also, War of the Second Partition, and in Polish sources, War in Defence of the Constitution) was fought between the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth on one side, and the Targowica Confederation (conservative nobility of the Commonwealth opposed to the new Constitution of 3 May 1791) and the Russian Empire under Catherine the Great on the other. The war took place in two theaters: a northern in Lithuania and a southern in what is now Ukraine.

Career & Major Achievements

In both, the Polish forces retreated before the numerically superior Russian forces, though they offered significantly more resistance in the south, thanks to the effective leadership of Polish commanders Prince Józef Poniatowski and Tadeusz Kościuszko. During the three-month-long struggle several battles were fought, but no side scored a decisive victory.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The largest success of the Polish forces was the defeat of one of the Russian formations at the Battle of Zieleńce on 18 June; in the aftermath of the battle the Polish highest military award, Virtuti Militari, was established. The Russians' greatest success in this war was the Battle of Mir on 11 June (O.S. 31 May).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1792: 1792 Milestone — The Polish–Russian War of 1792 (also, War of the Second Partition, and in Polish sources, War in Defence of the Constitution) was fought between the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth on one side, and the Targowica Confederation (conservative nobility of the Commonwealth opposed to the new Constitution of 3 May 1791) and the Russian Empire under Catherine the Great on the other.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: War in Defence of the Constitution

True or False: “True or false: The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth achieved a single, decisive victory over the Russian Empire during the war.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The historical record indicates that while both sides fought major battles, no side managed to score a single, decisive victory throughout the three-month struggle.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Ypsilantis — Historical peer (Born in 1792) (1792): Greek nationalist, prince, and leader of the Filiki Etaireia during the struggle for independence.
• Anastasio Aquino's Rebellion — Historical peer (Born in 1792) (1792): Indigenous leader whose rebellion challenged Central American authority during early 19th-century El Salvador.
• Carl Czerny — Historical peer (Born in 1791) (1791): Austrian composer and pianist, renowned for his pedagogical works and connection to Beethoven and Liszt.
• Charles Babbage — Historical peer (Born in 1791) (1791): Pioneering polymath credited with originating the concept of the digital programmable computer.

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