The 1863 uprising and the shared legacy of the Commonwealth.

The article focuses on the January Uprising of 1863 as the last collective struggle rooted in the ideals of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, emphasizing its significance as a shared historical legacy for Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. It outlines how the Commonwealth represented a multi-ethnic political community based on civic patriotism rather than modern ethnic nationalism, which only emerged later in the 19th century. The uprising marked a turning point toward exclusive national movements, yet today, with the four nations independent and free of existential conflicts, the memory of 1863 offers a foundation for mutual recognition and reconciliation. The article argues that embracing the Commonwealth’s inclusive legacy can foster cooperation against ongoing Russian imperialism and support a shared European future.