Stanisław August, as Poniatowski now styles himself,…
1765 CE
He attempts to introduce a number of reforms in his first years.
He founds the Knights School, and begins to form a diplomatic service, with semi-permanent diplomatic representatives throughout Europe, Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
On May 7, 1765, Poniatowski establishes the Order of the Knights of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, in honor of Poland's and his own patron saint, as Poland's second order of chivalry, to reward Poles for noteworthy service to the king.
Together with the Familia he tries to reform the ineffective government, reducing the powers of the hetmans (Commonwealth's top military commanders) and treasurers, moving them to commissions elected by the Sejm and responsible to the king.
In his memoirs, Poniatowski will call this period the "years of hope."
The Familia, which is interested in strengthening the power of their own faction, is dissatisfied with his conciliatory policy as he reaches out to many former opponents of their policies.
This uneasy alliance between Poniatowski and the Familia will continue for most of the first decade of his rule.
One of the points of contention between Poniatowski and the Familia concerns the rights of the religious minorities in Poland; whereas Poniatowski reluctantly supports a policy of religious tolerance, the Familia is opposed to it.
The growing rift between Poniatowski and the Familia is exploited by the Russians, who use this issue as a pretext to intervene in the Commonwealth's internal politics and destabilize the country.
Catherine has no desire to see Poniatowski's reform succeed; she has supported his ascent to the throne to ensure that the Commonwealth will remain a weak state under Russian control, and his attempts to reform the state's ailing machinery are a threat to the status quo.
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