How did the Congress of Vienna change Polish territory in 1815?

At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the map of Europe was redrawn following the defeat of Napoleon, significantly impacting Polish territory. The Congress established the Congress Kingdom of Poland, which comprised the bulk of the former Grand Duchy of Warsaw.12

This territorial settlement involved several key changes:

• Russian Control: The majority of the former Duchy of Warsaw was placed under the rule of Tsar Alexander I, who became the king of the new Congress Kingdom.12
• Prussian Acquisition: The region of Poznania was transferred to Prussia.13
• Free City Status: Kraków was designated as a free city.13

While the Congress nominally enjoined the partitioning powers to respect the national rights of their Polish subjects and provided for free trade within the borders of the old Commonwealth, these provisions were largely ineffective. Ultimately, the Congress Kingdom was united with Russia through the person of the tsar, who served as both the Russian emperor and the Polish king.132