1. 1.История международных отношений и внешней политики России (1648-2000). М., 2003, с.54-70

Lecture 9-10

Theme of the lecture: “Eastern Question” and European diplomacy.

The objective of the lecture. Students should know formation of the “Eastern Question”. Essence of the “Eastern Question”, decision of the “Eastern Question”.

Outline of the lecture:

1. Foundation of “Eastern question”.

2. Russian-Turkish Wars in the second half of the XVIII c.

3. Russian-Turkish War 1806-1812. Bucharest Treaty.

4. Russian-Turkish and Russian-Iranian wars in 1828-1829.

5. Anglo-French rivalry in Egypt.

6. “Eastern question” in 50-s. Paris Congress 1856.

7. Russian-Turkish war in 1877-1878. Peace of San-Stefano. The Congress in Berlin.

The brief content of the lecture.

1. During the Middle Ages the Islamic Empire included Spain, North Africa, and middle East. Expansion of Islam into Europe was blocked by France in the West (and after 1492, by Spain) and Byzantine Empire in the East. When Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, eastern Europe was opened for Islamic expansion. Hungary and Hupsburg Empire became the defenders of Europe. Under Sulleiman the Magnificent (reigned 1520-1566), the Turks captured Belgrade and took over nearly half of eastern Europe. Ottoman power extended from Euphrates and to the Danube. The Ottoman Empire was no longer an important power in Europe. Competition to take over parts of eastern Europe, “especially the Balkans, was called the “Eastern Question” in European history and was casual factor in starting World War I.

2. In XVII-XIX cc. Russia with Austria fought against Turkey. In spite of defeat of Austria, Russia won and took Ochakov. At the same time waged war against Sweden and Turkey. In the Treaty of Kuchuk-Kanardji (1774), Catherine the Great forced the Turks to surrender the Crimea to recognize Russia’s right to protect Eastern Orthodox Christians in the Balkans. Russia and Austria declared war to Turkey in 1788, and Austria recaptured Belgrade in 1789. On December 29, 1791 Russia and Turkey concluded Jassa treaty, according which Ochakov and lands between Dnestr and Buga were given to Russia and border between Turkey and Russia were confirmed along Dnestr. Turkey didn’t pretend Georgia.

3. In 1806- beg.1807 Russia waged wars with Turkey and Iran. In 1086 Russian troops occupied Derbent and Baku. Blacksea fleet conquered fortress Anapa. In 1809-1812 Russian-Turkish wars continued. In 1811 Russian army occupied Sukhumi, then entered to Georgia. After long negotiations peace treaty was concluded in Bucharest on May 16, 1812:

   • Russia joined the territory between rivers Dnestr and Prut (Bessarabia), including fortresses Khotin, Bendery, Akkerman, Kamja and Izmail. Border was established along river Prut, Danube till Black sea.

   • Abkhazia, Mingrelia, Guria were given to Russia and Caucasus.

Walakhia and Moldova were returned to Turkey.

• Anapa was given to Turkey too.