The history behind Frederick Chopin’s work was closely tight to the events occurring in Poland between 1795 and 1914.
During Chopin’s life, Poland was partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. In 1795, Poland was partitioned for the third time and ceased to be an independent country.
Napoleon, whose enemies included all the partitioning powers, was welcomed by many Poles, who believed that his military genius would defeat the invaders and restore the Polish state.
When Napoleon came, Poland temporarily regained independence. Polish Legions fought in the Italian campaign, played a role in the Peninsular War (1807-1814), and fought with unequaled sacrifice in the 1812 invasion of Russia. The Poles remained with Napoleon when his fortunes fell, fighting at Waterloo.
The result of the Polish joining with Napoleon was a devastation of their country by war. This defeat led to a determination in the European countries to keep Poland from becoming independent.
Poland had no political or military power, so Poles focused on their Polish identity to express themselves through creative works like art, literature, and music. This was the beginning of the Romantic Period.
Among those Poles during the Romantic Period, Frederick Chopin was one of the most famous.
