Kingdom of Poland (1830–1831)

The Kingdom of Poland (1830–1831), also known as Congress Poland, experienced a major insurrection against the Russian Empire, known as the November Uprising or Polish-Russian War of 1830-1831. This uprising was sparked by Polish nationalists seeking greater autonomy or independence from Russia, which controlled the Kingdom of Poland under a personal union with the Tsar as King.

The underlying causes of the uprising included a growing sense of Polish nationalism fueled by the loss of statehood after the Partitions of Poland in the late 18th century, restrictions on political freedoms imposed by the Russian authorities, and a desire for self-determination. The immediate trigger was the perceived threat of the Polish army being used to suppress revolutions in Western Europe, particularly in Belgium and France.

The November Uprising began on November 29, 1830, with an attack on the Belvedere Palace, the Warsaw residence of Grand Duke Constantine Pavlovich, the commander-in-chief of the Polish army and brother of Tsar Nicholas I. The uprising quickly spread throughout the Kingdom of Poland, with many Polish soldiers and citizens joining the rebellion.

A Polish Provisional Government was established, and the Sejm (Parliament) formally dethroned Tsar Nicholas I as King of Poland in January 1831. This act intensified the conflict and escalated the uprising into a full-scale war against Russia.

Despite initial successes and displays of Polish courage, the uprising was ultimately crushed by the superior military forces of the Russian Empire. Key battles included those at Grochów and Ostrołęka. Internal divisions within the Polish leadership and a lack of support from foreign powers contributed to the uprising's failure.

By September 1831, Russian forces had recaptured Warsaw, effectively ending the uprising. The Kingdom of Poland was subsequently subjected to increased Russian control. The autonomy granted under the Congress of Vienna was significantly curtailed. The Polish army was integrated into the Russian army, universities were closed, and many Poles were exiled or imprisoned. This period saw a intensification of Russification policies aimed at suppressing Polish culture and identity. The November Uprising and its aftermath marked a significant turning point in the history of Congress Poland and reinforced Russian dominance in the region for several decades.