The potop is one of the most…

The potop is one of the most dramatic instances of the Poles' knack for prevailing in adversity, but despite the improbable survival of the commonwealth in the face of the episode, it  has inflicted irremediable damage and contributes heavily to the ultimate demise of the state.

When Jan II Kazimierz abdicates in 1668, the population of the commonwealth has been nearly halved by war and disease.

War has destroyed the economic base of the cities and raised a religious fervor that ends Poland's policy of religious tolerance.

Henceforth, the commonwealth will be on the strategic defensive facing hostile neighbors.

Never again will Poland compete with Russia as a military equal.