From the History of the Free City of Cracow. Selected Political and Legal Aspects

Abstract

The free, independent and autonomous City of Cracow, commonly known asthe Republic of Cracow, was established at the Congress of Vienna. However,
 its protectors soon realized that their decision was a mistake which required to be quickly corrected. Russia, Austria and Prussia decided about the life of that ‘miniature Republic’, covering about 1150 square km. Trough such activities as the appointment of the Free City’s government, setting up of special commissions for a seeming improvement of the life of the citizens of the Republic of Cracow, as well as bringing changes into the Cracow’s laws and regulations to suit their needs, they wanted to liquidate the Republic of Cracow as soon as possible. All small misunderstandings were exaggerated thus contributing to disputes with the Republic’s autonomous institutions, which, in turn, generated its unfavourable reputation on an international level.