May 3rd Constitution
The May 3rd Constitution was a significant legal document adopted in Poland on May 3, 1791. It aimed to reform the political system of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by establishing a constitutional monarchy and promoting civil liberties. The constitution sought to reduce the power of the nobility and enhance the rights of the common people, making it one of the first modern constitutions in Europe.
Despite its progressive intentions, the May 3rd Constitution faced opposition from neighboring powers, particularly Russia and Prussia. These countries intervened militarily, leading to the constitution's eventual repeal in 1792. Its legacy, however, remains influential in Polish history and the broader context of democratic movements.