The Russo-Turkish War and Its Impact on European Diplomacy

Overview

Maria Theresa’s reign saw significant diplomatic challenges due to her expansive interests across Europe, particularly in the east where tensions with Russia escalated over Ottoman territories. The Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774) culminated in a decisive victory for Catherine II of Russia, reshaping European power dynamics and setting the stage for future conflicts involving Russian influence in the Ottoman Empire.

Context

During the mid-eighteenth century, Europe was marked by shifting alliances and territorial disputes. Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria, sought to expand her empire’s territories and influence but faced significant challenges, especially concerning her eastern borders where Russia’s ambitions clashed with those of the declining Ottoman Empire. The long-standing rivalry between the Russian and Ottoman empires over control in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region created a volatile situation that would eventually erupt into open warfare.

Timeline

• 1740: Maria Theresa ascends to the throne of Austria, beginning her reign.
• 1768: Catherine II of Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire, starting the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774).
• 1769: Minor skirmishes and raids by Crimean Tatars increase tensions between Russia and the Ottomans.
• 1770: Russian forces gain significant victories over Ottoman fleets in the Black Sea, establishing naval dominance.
• 1771: Catherine II consolidates her position through diplomatic maneuvers, securing support from various European powers against Ottoman interests.
• 1772: Austria remains largely neutral but is affected by shifts in power dynamics between Russia and the Ottomans.
• 1773: Russian troops advance into Ottoman territory, pushing deeper towards Constantinople.
• 1774: Peace Treaty of Kutchuk-Kainarji signed in Bulgaria, marking a significant victory for Catherine II.

Key Terms and Concepts

Maria Theresa (Empress of Austria): Ruled from 1740 to 1780, Maria Theresa sought territorial expansion and stability within her empire but faced numerous challenges due to her multi-faceted interests.

Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774): A conflict between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire over control in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region. This war significantly altered power dynamics in the region, favoring Russia.

Ottoman Empire: An extensive multi-ethnic empire centered on present-day Turkey that extended into North Africa, Southeastern Europe, and Western Asia. By the mid-eighteenth century, it was facing significant internal and external pressures leading to its decline.

Crimean Tatars: A Turkic-speaking people who inhabited Crimea under Ottoman suzerainty but were annexed by Russia in 1783, marking a loss of Ottoman influence over this strategic region.

Kutchuk Kainarji Treaty (1774): This peace agreement marked the end of Russo-Turkish War and established Russian dominance over Ottoman territories and interests. It included provisions for Russian protection of Greek Orthodox subjects within the Ottoman Empire.

Key Figures and Groups

Maria Theresa: Empress of Austria, her reign saw significant diplomatic challenges due to expansive territorial ambitions which often clashed with other European powers’ interests.

Catherine II (The Great): Tsarina of Russia from 1762 to 1796. Her military victories in the Russo-Turkish War and subsequent treaties significantly expanded Russian influence in Eastern Europe.

Ottoman Sultan: The head of the Ottoman Empire during this period, his empire faced significant territorial losses and a shift in power dynamics due to defeats at the hands of Russia.

Mechanisms and Processes

• Russia’s Expansionist Policies -> Tensions with Ottoman Empire -> Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774): Russian ambitions for expansion into Ottoman territories led to increased military confrontations, culminating in a full-scale war.

• Naval Superiority -> Strategic Advantages -> Treaty of Kutchuk-Kainarji (1774): Russia’s naval dominance in the Black Sea allowed it to negotiate more favorable terms and secure significant territorial gains.

Deep Background

Eastern European Politics: The mid-eighteenth century saw a complex interplay between various European powers, with Austria under Maria Theresa attempting to balance its interests against the rising influence of Russia. This period was marked by shifting alliances and territorial disputes that often led to military conflicts.

Ottoman Decline: By the 1760s, the Ottoman Empire was experiencing significant internal and external pressures leading to a decline in power. The loss of control over territories such as Crimea symbolized this decline and presented opportunities for other powers like Russia to expand their influence.

Explanation and Importance

The Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774) reshaped the balance of power in Eastern Europe, with Russia gaining significant territorial and strategic advantages at the expense of the Ottoman Empire. The Treaty of Kutchuk-Kainarji not only secured Russian dominance over key territories but also established a precedent for future Russian interference in Ottoman affairs through its role as protector of Greek Orthodox subjects.

Understanding these events requires acknowledging the intricate web of political, military, and economic factors that influenced the behavior of European powers during this period. For students, grasping the significance of Russia’s victory can be challenging due to the complex interplay of historical forces but is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of eighteenth-century European history.

Comparative Insight

The Russo-Turkish War shares similarities with earlier conflicts such as the Crimean War (1853-1856) where again, Russian ambitions clashed with those of other powers over control in the Black Sea region. Both wars highlight Russia’s increasing assertiveness and its strategic importance to European politics.

Extended Analysis

Shifts in Power Dynamics: The war marked a significant shift from Ottoman dominance to growing Russian influence, reshaping power structures in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

Territorial Reconfigurations: Key territorial changes included the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the loss of suzerainty over Crimean Tatars by the Ottomans.

Strategic Naval Dominance: Russia’s naval supremacy established its control over crucial maritime routes, thereby enhancing its strategic position in Eastern Europe.

Quiz

Open Thinking Questions

• How might European history have been different if Austria had taken a more active role in the Russo-Turkish War?
• In what ways did the Treaty of Kutchuk-Kainarji influence future Russian-Ottoman relations?
• What were some long-term consequences of Russia’s increased naval presence and control over maritime routes?

Conclusion

The Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774) marked a significant turning point in Eastern European politics, with the Treaty of Kutchuk-Kainarji solidifying Russian dominance over Ottoman territories and interests. This period highlights the shifting balance of power among major European empires and sets the stage for future conflicts involving Russia’s role as protector of Orthodox Christians within the Ottoman Empire.