Rzeczpospolita

Rzeczpospolita [ ʒɛt͡ʃpɔspɔlita ]? / I is based on the Latin term res publica ( republic ). In contrast to the Latin meaning ' public good ' however, does the Polish phrase literally ' common cause '.

The Polish word has been received phonetically unchanged into Lithuanian, but is written Žečpospolita and primarily describes the joint Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1569 to 1795.

• First Rzeczpospolita (I RP), the " aristocratic republic " called the Polish-Lithuanian Union designated 1569 to 1795. You was a parliamentary elective monarchy, with the participation of the nobility in all key political decisions.

The proportion of the nobility ( szlachta ) in the total population was yes after century between 8 and 12 %. All nobles were independent of the possession and rank the same civil and political rights ( immunity in the body, life and property ) and were subject to military service because of their commitment to a lowered tax rate. Thus, over 10 % of residents were involved in the political process, which is extremely much for the ratios of the early modern period.

As a founding year of 1569 I Rzeczpospolita applies when Poland and Lithuania until then ruled in personal union, banded together in the Treaty of Lublin to Real Union (Republic of the Polish Crown and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania). The new seed took over the Constitution Nihil Novi from 1505. Official language of the Republic was Latin, to ensure the equality of both States and because you deliberately wanted to continue the tradition of the Roman Republic.

In the late 17th and 18th centuries, the principle of unanimity, Latin liberum veto was established in the Parliament ( Sejm ), what this body often made ​​a quorum, and ultimately accelerated the decline of the Rzeczpospolita. In addition, formed since the early 18th century within the large Polish nobility rival alliances ( so-called confederations ), which among themselves uncompromising wrestled for power and allied themselves to this end also with neighboring countries.

1791 was the First Rzeczpospolita, the first constitution of Europe, including highlighting the Liberum veto abolished and many reforms have been decided. However, came too late. Foreign interference and expansionism of Russia and Prussia eventually led the country in 1795 disbanded.

In 1918, after the First World War, in which the division of powers confronted each other, Poland and Lithuania were erlands their independence. However, they did not form more Union. Unlike Lithuania Poland followed up on the old state tradition.

• II Rzeczpospolita, RP II - 1918-1939
• III Rzeczpospolita, III RP - since 1989.

The People's Republic of Poland (Polish: Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa, PRL) - 1945-1989 is excluded in the count by Soviet foreign rule.

Republics of other nations are referred to as " republika " in Polish.