Vilnius and Lithuania during the time of the Gaon

ENThe period of the lifetime of the Gaon was probably the most turbulent in the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL), united to form a confederation with Poland. Two years before the Gaon's death, the GDL and the entire state of Poland-Lithuania ceased to exist - it had been divided up amongst its three powerful neighbouring absolute monarchies, i. e. Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The crisis within the Polish-Lithuanian nobiliary monarchy had reached a peak in the 18th century, and culminated in the demise of the state, although important reforms had been carried out (albeit slowly and inconsistently) after the first division in the second half of that century. The Constitution of May 3, 1791 was the resultant crowning glory. In the words of the celebrated Polish historian M. Bobrzynski, this event represented "a rebirth during the decline" ("odrodzenie w upadku"). In truth, although the Constitution was the first in Europe and the second in the entire world, it was put into effect for only one year; reforms were insufficient to save the state, and though it may appear paradoxical, were even instrumental in accelerating its demise. Prussian and Russian politics were a causative external factor to this end, while the crisis within the state came from all sectors, including demographic [p. 321].