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Catherine II's strategic planning was by no means a whim.
The foundation, of course, was France's demonstrated capabilities over the past two years—whether it was the Royal Family's control of power, or the profound strategy displayed in North Africa and the lowland countries, all convinced her that this was the best partner to work with.
Meanwhile, Austria, Russia's former ally, had fallen into chaos due to its reforms, and its national strength was on the decline.
Especially since the suppression of the Brabant uprising had been unsuccessful, and they were bogged down in a tough fight in Silesia, she had become very disappointed in Austria.
Another German powerhouse, Prussia, had indeed signed a secret treaty with Russia to partition Poland, but that was only aimed at dealing with Poland.
