In the last third of the 19th century politician Alexander 2 was not very successful.The defeat in the Crimean War and the creation of the Crimean, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris, has weakened Russia's position and its influence on Europe.Petersburg have not been diplomatic capital.
For that failed foreign policy of Alexander 2, the public blamed the Nesselrode.Then the emperor sent him into retirement, and the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs appointed Gorchakov.Visionary man, prone to make decisions under Nicholas 1, he did not get the promotion.However, his ability to notice and appreciate Alexander 2. Foreign policy proposed by Gorchakov immediately after its approval for the post, was fully approved by the emperor.
Gorchakov had to admit that at this moment the country militarily and in terms of the economy is very weak.He insisted that Russia now has to focus on its internal affairs and to pursue peace with others, to seek allies for protection.The Minister believed that foreign policy Alexander 2 some time to be active, you need to establish relations with its neighbors, the nearest countries.
First Gorchakov decided to undermine Crimean system, become acquainted with France.A drawn together by a common rejection of the two sides of the policy of Austria.The result of the interaction of the French and Russian was the emergence of a new state - Romania.However, because of a dispute on the status of the Black Sea, on the holy places and the Polish question the relationship between the two countries have not received further development.
After the accession of Alexander 2 and revived the national movement of the Poles.V1861 in Poland demonstration was dispersed.Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich appointed governor there, instructed by A. Velёpolskomu, the local aristocracy, to hold a series of reforms in the country.Decrees were prepared to conduct classes in schools in the Polish language, the restoration of the University of Warsaw, on the facilitation of the life of the peasants.However Velёpolsky announced a set of the army of young people from politically unreliable.This decision has provoked in 1863 a new rebellion, the attack on the military garrisons.Urgent interim government was created and proclaimed the independence of Poland.Conciliatory policy of the Grand Duke failed completely.
Britain and France considered that after the incident, they have the right to interfere in Russia's affairs.Napoleon 3 proposed to convene an international conference to give amnesty to those who participated in the rebellion and restore the constitution of Poland.Gorchakov rejected all proposals, because I thought the Polish issue an internal affair of Russia and Russian diplomats forbade him even to negotiate.In 1864, an uprising in Poland was suppressed completely.And this has helped Prussia, which signed a convention with Russia, which provides, if necessary, move freely across its borders.
At the end of the 60s of the 19th century foreign policy Alexander 2 was aimed at solving the German question.He was now a major problem in many European countries.O. Bismarck, minister-president of Prussia, wanted to resolve this question action.Russia supported it, and in 1870 between Prussia and France, war broke out.The victory of Prussia led finally to the fall of the Crimean system creation of the German Empire and cut off the map of Europe, to the collapse of the regime of Napoleon 3 and the formation of the Paris Commune.
But not always the foreign policy of Alexander 2 corresponds to Russia's interests.In particular, this applies to ads Russian-Turkish war in 1877.This decision was triggered by the emperor East crisis can not be resolved by diplomatic means and the pressure of the leaders of the Slavic committees.
