The Commonwealth of Poland, also known as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was a dual state that existed from 1569 to 1795. It united the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania under a single monarch, creating one of the largest and most populous countries in Europe at the time. The Commonwealth was known for its unique political system, which included a form of democracy where the nobility had significant power. The Commonwealth reached its peak in the late 16th century, becoming a cultural and political hub in Europe. However, it faced internal conflicts and external pressures, leading to its eventual partitions by neighboring powers, including Russia, Prussia, and Austria. By 1795, the Commonwealth ceased to exist as an independent entity.