Ep 4. The Great Crime of Empires: Poland Divided

In season 1 episode 4 of A History of Eastern Europe, titled "The Great Crime of Empires: Poland Divided," viewers will journey through the tumultuous history of Poland as it faced partition and division by neighboring empires. Beginning with the late 18th century, viewers will witness the carving up of Poland by Prussia, Russia, and Austria, leading to the eventual disappearance of Poland from the map of Europe for over a century.

The episode starts by examining the complex history of Poland, including its former power as a kingdom and its decline as neighboring powers grew in strength. The partitions of Poland were not the result of a single event, but a culmination of political, economic, and social factors that had been brewing for years. Viewers will learn about the political convulsions that wracked the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the late 18th century and how neighboring empires took advantage of this instability to seize territory and control.

The episode explores the motives behind the partition of Poland and how they differed for each of the empires involved. Prussia, for example, saw Poland as a way to expand its territory and increase its power. Russia, on the other hand, saw Poland as a threat to its own power given its shared border and the Polish nobility's support for Russian dissenters. Austria, meanwhile, saw Poland as a buffer zone against Russian expansion, but also as a source of economic exploitation.

Viewers will learn about the different ways that each of the empires went about partitioning Poland, and the devastating impact this had on the Polish people, who were left with a diminished sense of national identity and autonomy. The episode explores the ways in which Polish patriots resisted the partitions, including the Kosciuszko Uprising of 1794, which was ultimately crushed by Russian and Prussian forces.

Throughout the episode, viewers will also gain an understanding of the wider historical context surrounding the partitions. The episode explores the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers and how they influenced the political landscape of Europe at the time, as well as the impact of events such as the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars on the region.

Overall, season 1 episode 4 of A History of Eastern Europe offers viewers a fascinating and detailed look at a crucial moment in the history of Poland and its neighboring empires. Through expert analysis, historical reenactments, and thought-provoking commentary, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the complex political and economic forces that shaped this pivotal period in Eastern European history.