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The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

In Our Time

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The Paradox of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

This chapter explores the complex political landscape of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, where elected kings served the nobility instead of ruling absolutely. It highlights the unique governance model shaped by Renaissance ideals of participation and religious tolerance, contrasting it with the authoritarian trends in contemporary monarchies. Additionally, it discusses the Commonwealth's role as a refuge for persecuted minorities and the impact of its parliamentary system on its eventual decline.

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