Over the 19th century, a huge number of important events took place in the Russian Empire. During these hundred years, several emperors were replaced in the state. If at the beginning of the 19th century Paul I ruled, then at the end - already Nicholas II. Serfdom was abolished during this period, and the monarchy weakened so much that Communist ideals became increasingly popular, which allowed the Bolsheviks to take power at the beginning of the next century. In many ways, the 19th century wars in Russia also contributed to the decline in the authority of the ruling dynasty. In some of them, the state managed to win, in others - had to be defeated. However, in most of them it suffered significant human and material losses.
19th Century Wars in Russia: Background
The century in question was characterized by many intrigues and conflicts on the world stage. The relations of the Russian Empire with Turkey were the most tense during this period. Each of the states strove to expand its land and sea borders. Over this century, Russia has managed to become one of the leaders in the international arena. European states have begun to more closely monitor its rise.
The reasons for the confrontation
Consideration of the wars of the 19th century in Russia allows you to understand the foreign policy of the country of that period. During this time, the country managed to participate in many international conflicts. We can distinguish 15 wars of the 19th century in Russia. Of the three, she was defeated. This is the war of the Third and Fourth Coalition. The first occurred in 1805, the second - in 1806-1807. The third defeat is the Crimean War. It lasted from 1853 to 1856. A draw happened in the Anglo-Russian war. Thus, the 19th century was quite successful for Russia.
Brief description of achievements
During this period, our power won 11 wars. Among them:
- Russian-Persian war. It lasted from 1804 to 1813. Its main goal was to strengthen the position of the Russian Empire in the Caucasus. During the war there was a protracted confrontation between the two sides in Northern Azerbaijan. It ended with the signing of the Gulistan Peace Treaty.
- Russian-Turkish war of 1806-1812 She will be dedicated to the relevant section.
- Russian-Swedish war. It lasted two years - from 1808 to 1809. She is also dedicated to one of the following sections of this article.
- War of the Fifth Coalition. It happened in 1809.
- Patriotic War of 1812. As a result, Napoleon’s army was almost destroyed. It was during her time that the famous Borodino battle took place.
- War of the Sixth Coalition. It occurred in the years 1813-1814.
- Russian-Persian war. It was associated with the need to repel the aggression provoked by England. Ended up with the signing of the Turkmanchay peace treaty.
- Russian-Turkish war. It lasted from 1828 to 1829. Russia sought to strengthen its position in the Balkan region and establish control over the Bosphorus and Dardanelles.
- The Polish uprising of 1830. Sometimes it is called the civil war in Russia of the 19th century. As a result, the Polish kingdom was declared part of Russia. The national liberation movement in Right-Bank Ukraine was suppressed.
- Polish uprising of 1863. The gentry was not satisfied with the order established by the Russian Empire in the former lands of the Commonwealth. The uprising was also crushed. The politics of the Russian Empire became even more anti-Polish. Executions and repressions were applied to the rebels.
- Russian-Turkish war. It lasted from 1877 to 1878. Russia sought to restore its influence on Turkey. Ended with the signing of the Saint-Stephen Peace. Subsequently, it was adjusted by the Berlin Congress not in favor of Russia, although the latter won the war.
1806-1812 years
The main goal of the first Russo-Turkish war is to strengthen positions in the Transcaucasus and in the Balkan region. The reason for it was the violation by the Ottoman Empire of agreements on movements in government in Wallachia and Moldova. In addition, there was a threat of invasion by the Napoleonic army. All this led to the fact that Russia needed to quickly resolve the issue with the southern lands. In 1806, Russia occupied several Turkish fortresses without a fight and defeated the fleet. In 1809, the first attempt was made to conclude peace. However, the conditions did not please Alexander I. Therefore, the war continued. Kutuzov managed to win her victory. The Russo-Turkish war of 1806-1812 ended with the signing of the Bucharest Peace Treaty with the Ottoman Empire. However, he was short-lived.
Already in 1828, the Great Porta announced that it no longer depended on Russia. Moreover, she emphasized that forbids the latter to enter the Bosphorus. Since Russian troops at that time were in Bessarabia, the first hostilities began there. And again the Russians won. But this did not stop the Ottoman Empire from new conflicts with them.
Russian-Swedish war of 1808-1809
Each of the parties sought to single-handedly control the Gulf of Finland and Bothnia. This is the last of the Russian-Swedish wars. In it, Russia was supported by such states as France and Denmark. It lasted six months and three weeks. The Friedrichsham Peace Treaty secured new territories for the Russian Empire. Its composition included the Grand Duchy of Finland.