The 1768 -74 Russo Ottoman War and its consequences

Question 1

Russia was expanding rapidly in the 18th century, where was it moving into by the 1750s

Answer 1

It was moving into Ukraine, within easy reach of fortresses marking limits of the Ottoman Empire.

Question 2

What was the Bar Confederation?

Answer 2

in Feb. 1768, members of Polish nobility
formed Bar Confederation (name after city of Bar), launched rebellion against Stanisław II August, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, and declared war on Russia.

Russia was at this time a virtual protectorate of the Polish-Lithuanian empire

Question 3

What impact did the Bar confederation have on bringing about the war between the Ottoman Empire and Russia?

Answer 3

In early autumn 1768, whilst being chased by pro-Russian Zaporozhian Cossacks, some Poles escaped across border of Ottoman Empire. Cossacks then followed them into
Ottoman territory. On 6 Oct. 1768:

The Confederates appealed for help from abroad and contributed to bringing about war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire (the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774) that began in September).

After receiving reports that Cossacks had massacred population of Ottoman town of Balta, Sultan Mustafa III detained Russian ambassador, de facto declaring war on Russia. The Turks formed an alliance with the Polish opposition forces of the Bar Confederation,

Question 4

What were the defeats for the Ottoman Empire in 1769/1770/1771?

Answer 4

By autumn 1769, Russian troops were occupying two Danubian principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. On 7 July 1770, they defeated Ottoman army and their Crimean Tatars ally at Larga (in present-day Moldova)

Remaining Ottoman troops suffered another crushing defeat few weeks later, on 1 Aug., at Battle of Kagul. Ottomans and Tatars outnumbered Russians by more than 3 to 1 but around 15% of
them perished on battlefield and further 20% to 30% drowned in Danube while trying to escape.

With Tatar troops engaged in Danubian Principalities, Crimea was left virtually undefended, making possible full-scale invasion of region by Russians in summer 1771.

On 5-7 July 1770, having sailed all way from its base in Baltic Sea and entered for first time into Mediterranean Sea, Russian fleet destroyed Ottoman fleet at Battle of Çeşme (on Anatolian coast),

Question 5

Why didn’t Russia take Constantinople when they were doing so well?

Answer 5

Russians were unable to capitalise on their victory in Cesme and move on to Constantinople, not only because of Ottoman
forts defending city, but also, and above all, because of pressure from Britain, Austria, France and Prussia, who feared capture of city would upset balance of power in Europe.

Question 6

Why was it vital for Prussia and France to preserve the Ottoman Empire?

Answer 6

For Prussia and France it was essential to preserve Ottoman Empire as Constantinople could be used as ally in case of war against Austria (Habsburg empire lying in between, it would be threatened from west and east).

Question 7

What did Prussia persuade Russia to do?

Answer 7

Prussia encouraged Russia to expand into Poland rather than into Ottoman Empire.

Question 8

What were the results of Russia expanding into Poland rather than the Ottoman Empire

Answer 8

It led to First Partition of Poland in 1772. Russia, Austria and Prussia seized Polish territory to restore balance of power between them upset by Russian conquests at
expense of Ottomans.

When France heard of plans to partition Poland, country she was close to, she encouraged Ottoman Empire to increase its war effort against Russia, hoping that war would weaken Russia and derail partition. Yet, by then Ottoman Empire was exhausted
and unable to halt progress of Russian armies.

Question 9

What stopped the Russian offensive?

Answer 9

What ultimately brought apparently unstoppable Russian offensive to end was turmoil in Russia. In many rural regions of Russia, serfs had seen their situation deteriorate for
decades after their villages were handed over to nobles and taxes increased. Growing anger led to unrest, with more than 50 revolts between 1762 and 1769

Question 10

What was the result of the rebellion led by Yemelyan Pugachev (Ural Cassock] in 1773?

Answer 10

◦ for while it cut supply lines of Russian army;
◦ defeating rebellion required diverting troops and resources from war against Ottomans.

Question 11

What was the treaty of Kuchuk Kainardji?

Answer 11

It concluded the 1768-74 Russo-Turkish War

The treaty opened door to Russian intervention in Ottoman affairs and turned out to be most important document for subsequent relations between Russia and Balkans.

Under Treaty,
1) Crimean Khanate became independent.
2) It was first territory populated by majority of Muslims lost by Sublime Porte.
3) Crimea, as gateway to north, was commercially significant.

With Treaty of Kuchuk Kainardji, foreign power gained for first time right to intervene into Ottoman affairs.

Question 12

What was the worry about Crimea becoming independent?

Answer 12

it was feared in Constantinople that region would fall under Russian influence, meaning that Muslim populations would now be subjected to Christian rule. Indeed, Russia undermined from
beginning viability of new state and prepared its future annexation (finally took place in Aril 1783):
▪

Question 13

Which communities were encouraged to leave the Crimea?

Answer 13

Greek, Armenian and Georgian communities, who played vital role in economy of Crimea, were strongly encouraged to move out and resettle in Russia: most Armenians and Georgians did so in agricultural areas, Greeks in new Russian towns along coast of Black Sea and of Sea of Azov This way, Russia could benefit from their expertise, while at same time depriving independent Crimea of same;

Question 14

What did Russia gain in return for allowing Sultan to act as supreme religious leader of Muslims living in
Crimea (this implied reviving title of Caliph) ?

Answer 14

Russia gained:
▪ commanding position on Sea of Azov, with control of ports and fortresses of Azov,
Kerch and Yenikalé;
▪ area between rivers Bug and Dnieper, giving her access to Black Sea proper;
▪ regions of Kuban and Kabardia, which had been part of Crimean Khanate and so under Ottoman suzerainty.

Question 15

What other important commercial advantage did Russia gain from the treaty?

Answer 15

Russian vessels were granted right to sail freely across Black Sea and through Straits. This was major blow for Ottoman Empire who lost important monopoly: The Black Sea had been closed to non-Ottoman ships since late 16th century.

Question 16

What else did the Ottoman Empire fear in relation to this?

Answer 16

1) Sooner or later, other powers would also demand right of passage through Straits and access to Black Sea;

2) Russians would develop large commercial fleet, and then use its experience to build a powerful navy .

Question 17

What else did Russia gain from the treaty?

Answer 17

1) Commercial privileges privileges previously granted by Porte to French and British traders under capitulations were extended to Russian ones;

2) The Russian government could appoint consuls in major Ottoman cities. Meant that Russia could send agents, who benefited from immunity, to foment revolt across empire;

3) In a secret clause, the Sublime Porte agreed to pay war indemnity of 4.5 m roubles over 3 years. For government whose finances were in dire state after years of war (and also
mismanagement), this represented substantial amount;

4) Russia was granted right to built Orthodox church in Constantinople and to make representations on behalf of it and those who served it, as stipulated in Art. VII;

5) Art. VII: “The Sublime Porte promises to protect constantly the Christian religion and its churches,

Question 18

It was quite vague in the treaty what could happen if the Porte fail to “protect constantly the Christian religion and its churches”, What did this lead to?

Answer 18

It was a source of conflict. Indeed, problem with Art. VII is that its wording differs significantly depending on which version of treaty is considered (Russian, Ottoman Turkish or Italian, latter being language of diplomacy at the time).

Still, Art. VII of Treaty would be regularly invoked by governments in Saint Petersburg to justify their intervention in affairs of Ottoman Balkan Christians.

Question 19

What did the Ottoman’s get from the treaty?

Answer 19

1) Retention of Territories: The Ottomans retained control over Wallachia and Moldavia, although Russia gained the right to intervene in these regions under certain conditions.

2) Religious Authority: The Ottoman Sultan retained religious authority over the Muslim Crimean Tatars, even though Crimea was declared independent

3) Economic and Commercial Rights: The treaty included provisions for commercial privileges, allowing the Ottomans to continue trade and economic activities with certain protections.

4) Russia agreed to return several fortresses to Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti and Principality of Mingrelia (nowadays both form Georgia);