Passage of the Polish constitution alarms nobles who stand to lose considerable stature under the new order.

In autocratic states such as Russia, the democratic ideals of the constitution also threaten the existing order, and the prospect of Polish recovery threatens to end domination of Polish affairs by its neighbors.

In 1792 domestic and foreign reactionaries combine to end the democratization process.

Polish conservative factions form the Confederation of Targowica and appeals for Russian assistance in restoring the status quo.

Catherine gladly uses this opportunity; enlisting Prussian support, she invades Poland under the pretext of defending Poland's ancient liberties.

The irresolute Stanislaw August capitulates, defecting to the Targowica faction.

Arguing that Poland has fallen prey to the radical Jacobinism, at this time at high tide in France, Russia and Prussia abrogate the Constitution of May 3, carry out a second partition of Poland in 1793, and place the remainder of the country under occupation by Russian troops.