Polish–Lithuanian union

The Polish- Lithuanian Union refers to a series of acts and alliances between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which existed for over 400 years since the end of the 14th century. It led to the establishment of the two-nation state of Poland - Lithuania in 1569, known as Rzeczpospolita, a Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth under the " presidential " election of a king's head of state. During the partitions of Poland end of the 18th century, a short-lived unitary state was created in 1791 yet.

Interior design of the Union

The Treaty of 1385 Krewo not defined the detailed constitutional relationship between Poland and Lithuania. This led to conflicts over the distribution of power, but also for the possession of the eastern and southeastern regions of Lithuania. The Polish-Lithuanian ratio was determined gradually. 1401, a Grand Duke was as governor of the king. He could govern relatively independent, but the king was obliged to loyalty. This principle had the right to the appointment of the Grand Duke. 1413 establishment of the king was confirmed in the Horodło. However, this should be in accordance with the Lithuanian nobility. It was also agreed that any new Polish king should be explicitly recognized by Lithuania. The Polish nobility adopted the same Act of Union 47 Lithuanian noble families into its association. Thus, the foundation was laid for the coalescence of the nobility of both countries. Also in the internal structure Lithuania Poland was like, so it was divided 1504-1566 according to the Polish pattern in voivodships.

The acts

The political acts were: