How did the Confederation of Targowica contribute to the Second Partition of Poland?

The Confederation of Targowica was a conservative alliance formed in May 1792 by Polish dignitaries who opposed the liberal Constitution of 3 May 1791. By inviting Catherine the Great of Russia to intervene militarily to restore the old constitution, the confederates provided the pretext for Russian forces to invade Poland.12

This intervention effectively dismantled the reformist efforts of the Polish state. Once the Russian army occupied the country and the constitution was abolished, the partitioning powers moved to secure their interests. Alarmed that Russia might seize the entire republic, Prussia also sent troops into Polish territory. Consequently, on January 23, 1793, Russia and Prussia agreed upon the Second Partition of Poland, which was subsequently forced upon a helpless Sejm. The actions of the Targowica confederates thus directly facilitated the collapse of Polish sovereignty and the loss of vast territories to Russia and Prussia.12