Feature The End of a Nation Wedged between Russia, Prussia and Austria, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth faced extinction in the 18th century. Richard Butterwick | Published in History Today Volume 71 Issue 6 June 2021 Catherine II, by Fyodor Stepanovich Rokotov, c.1770 © Bridgeman Images. To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.