Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 (briefly): causes, main events, results

Many contemporaries are convinced that in the past historians paid little attention to such an event as the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. Briefly, but as much as possible we will discuss this episode in the history of Russia. After all, like any war, in any case it will leave a trace of the history of the state.

Let's try to make out an event like the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, briefly, but as clearly as possible. First of all, for ordinary readers.

The Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878 (briefly)

The main opponents of this armed conflict were the Russian and Ottoman empires.

In the course of it, many important events took place. The Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 (briefly described in this article) left a trace in the history of virtually all participating countries.

On the side of Ports (acceptable for the history of the Ottoman Empire) were Abkhazian, Dagestani and Chechen rebels, as well as the Polish Legion.

Russia, in turn, was supported by the Balkans.

The causes of the Russo-Turkish war

First of all, we will analyze the main causes of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 (briefly).

The main reason for the outbreak of the war was a significant increase in national self-awareness in some Balkan countries.

This kind of public mood was associated with the April uprising in Bulgaria. The cruelty and ruthlessness with which the Bulgarian insurgency was suppressed led some European countries (especially the Russian Empire) to show sympathy to the Christians in Turkey.

Another reason for the outbreak of hostilities was the defeat of Serbia in the Serb-Montenegrin-Turkish war, as well as the failed Constantinople conference.

The course of the war

Further I propose to consider the course of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 (briefly).

April 24, 1877, the Russian Empire officially declared war against Porte. After the solemn parade in Chisinau, Archbishop Paul read the manifesto of Emperor Alexander II at the moleben, which referred to the beginning of military operations against the Ottoman Empire.

In order to avoid the intervention of European states, the war had to be carried out "quickly" - into one company.

In May of the same year the troops of the Russian Empire were introduced into the territory of the Romanian state.

Romanian troops, in turn, began to actively participate in the conflict on the side of Russia and its allies only three months after this event.

The organization and readiness of the Russian army was markedly affected by the military reform that was being carried out at that time by the Emperor Alexander II.

The Russian troops included about 700 thousand people. Over the Ottoman Empire, there were about 281 thousand people. Despite the significant numerical superiority of the Russians, the significant advantage of the Turks was the possession and equipping of the army with modern weapons.

It is worth noting that the Russian Empire intended to hold the entire war on land. The fact is that the Black Sea was completely under the control of the Turks, and Russia was allowed to build its ships in this sea only in 1871. Naturally, in such a short time it was impossible to erect a strong flotilla.

This armed conflict was conducted in two directions: in the Asian and European.

European Theater of Military Operations

As we already mentioned above, with the outbreak of the war, Russian troops were introduced to Romania. This was done to eliminate the Danube fleet of the Ottoman Empire, which controlled the crossing of the Danube.

The river fleet of the Turks could not withstand the actions of enemy sailors, and soon the Dnieper was forced by Russian troops. This was the first significant step towards Constantinople.

The next stage in the advance of Russian troops was the siege of Plevna, which began on July 20, 1877.

Despite the fact that the Turks were able to temporarily delay the Russian troops and get time to strengthen Istanbul and Edirne, they could not change the course of the war. Due to the inept actions of the military command of the Ottoman Empire, Plevna capitulated on December 10.

After this event, the current Russian army, which at that time numbered about 314,000 soldiers, was preparing to resume its offensive.

At the same time against the Porte resumed hostilities Serbia.

December 23, 1877 raid through the Balkans is committed by a Russian detachment, which at that time was under the command of General Romeyko-Gurko, thanks to which was occupied by Sofia.

December 27-28, there was a battle at Sheinovo, in which the troops of the Southern detachment participated. The outcome of this battle was the encirclement and rout of the 30 thousandth Turkish army.

January 8, the troops of the Russian Empire without any resistance was taken one of the key points of the Turkish army - the city of Edirne.

Asian Theater of Military Operations

The main tasks of the Asian direction of the war were to ensure the security of its borders, as well as the desire of the leadership of the Russian Empire to break the concentration of the Turks exclusively at the European theater of operations.

The beginning of the countdown of the Caucasian company is considered to be the Abkhazian insurgency, which occurred in May 1877.

Around the same time, Russian troops leave the city of Sukhum. Return it back turned out only in August.

During the operations in Transcaucasia, Russian troops captured many strongholds, garrisons and fortresses: Bayazit, Ardagan, etc.

In the second half of the summer of 1877, the fighting was temporarily "frozen" for the reason that both sides were awaiting reinforcements.

Beginning in September, the Russians began to adhere to siege tactics. So, for example, the town of Kars was taken, which opened the victorious route to Erzerum. However, his capture did not take place due to the conclusion of the San Stefano peace treaty.

The terms of this truce, in addition to Austria and England, were also dissatisfied with Serbia and Romania. It was believed that their merits in the war were not appreciated. This was the beginning of the birth of a new - Berlin - Congress.

Results of the Russian-Turkish War

The final stage is summarized the results of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 (briefly).

There was an expansion of the borders of the Russian Empire: more specifically, Bessarabia, which was lost during the Crimean War , reentered it.

In exchange for helping the Ottoman Empire defend itself against the Russians in the Caucasus, England deployed its troops on the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean.

The Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878. (Briefly considered by us in this article) played a big role in international relations.

It gave rise to a gradual departure from the confrontation between the Russian Empire and Great Britain because the countries began to focus more on their own interests (for example, Russia was interested in the Black Sea and England was interested in Egypt).

Historians and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. Briefly, in general terms, characterize the event

Despite the fact that this war is not considered as a particularly significant event in the history of the Russian state, a considerable number of historians have been engaged in its study. The most famous researchers, whose contribution was noted, as the most significant, are L.I. Rovnyakova, O.V. Orlik, F.T. Konstantinova, E.P. Lviv, etc.

They studied the biographies of commanders and commanders who participated, significant events, summed up the results of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, briefly described in the publication. Naturally, all this did not pass in vain.

Economist A.P. Pogrebinsky believed that the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, briefly and quickly culminating in the victory of the Russian Empire and its allies, had a huge impact primarily on the economy. An important role in this was played by the annexation of Bessarabia.

According to the Soviet politician Nikolai Belyaev, this military conflict was unfair, carrying an aggressive character. This statement, in the opinion of its author, is relevant both to the Russian Empire and to the Porte.

It can also be said that the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, briefly described in this article, first of all showed the success of the military reform of Alexander II, both organizationally and technically.