Russian-Turkish war of 1768-74 years was the fifth military conflict between Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
basic contradiction remained the same - having free access to the Black Sea.A formal reasons the Russian-Turkish war include: Russian government headed by Catherine II began to actively intervene in the political affairs of Poland, where at that time there was a war opposition among the Bar Confederation and the ruling King Stanislaus Poniatowski.Russian troops fought on the side of the king.
pursuing forces of the opposition, Russian Cossack detachment invaded the Turkish lands and took the small town of Balta.Turkish authorities, an alliance with the Polish Confederates, and with the support of Austria and France declared war on Russia on Sept. 25, 1768.So officially launched Russian-Turkish war of 1768-74 years.
In this war, Turkey aimed to broaden ownership, capturing Kiev, Astrakhan and Azov Sea;France and Austria hoped to weaken the influence of Russia and restore the former borders of Poland and Polish Confederates hoped to finally seize power in the country.
Until the end of 1768 the parties were active hostilities, but only tied up their forces and preparing for war.Army under General Golitsyn moved slowly, holding the area around the Dniester toward the fortress Hawtin.A second Russian army commanded by General Rumyantsev, was to defend the territory of Ukraine from the Crimean Turkish raids.
The fighting began in the winter of 1769 when the Cavalry Army Crimea Giray Khan invaded Ukrainian lands.As expected, the attack was repelled an army Rumyantsev.At the same time, Russian troops captured Taganrog, cleared access to the Sea of Azov and began the creation of the Azov flotilla.
Russian-Turkish war of 1768-74 years was remarkable that during her army of the Ottoman Empire could not win a single any zanchitelno victory.At the same time his most crushing defeat of the Turkish army suffered in the Battle of Chesma and the Battle of Cahul.
Chesmenskaya battle took place in late June 1770, when the Russian fleet, commanded by Admiral Greig Spiridov and, as a result of the brilliant operation was able to lock in the Bay of Cesme at enemy ships and completely destroyed the Turkish fleet.As a result of this battle the Turks amounted to Rub 10 thousand, and in Russian - only 11 people.
And in the land battle of July 21, 1770 at Cahul distinguished future felmarshal Rumyantsev.His 17-thousand army was able to win over one hundred thousandth army of Khalil Pasha.This is due to a brilliant offensive tactics that are applied blush.At some point, especially when Turkish troops violently oppress Russian troops, Rumyantsev threw himself into the fight and turned to attack the soldiers, who had begun to recede.Janissaries folded after the first attack, began to take positions and to flee.
At the end of the battle on the Russian side had lost a half thousand people, and by the Turks - more than 20 thousand.After the great victory of Cahul surrendered to the Turkish fortress of Izmail and Kilia.
from 1770 to 1774.in the Ottoman Empire intensified the crisis.In the Caucasus and the Black Sea region were active hostilities in which the victory over and over again scored Russian troops.The promised help from Poland, Austria and France, the Turks are not getting.Therefore, in 1772 the Turkish government decided to start peace talks.The main point on which the parties have not agreed - was the fate of Crimea.Russian side insisted on the independence of the Crimea, and in every way the Turks refused this.Therefore, did not go down to the general opinion, the two sides resumed hostilities.
1773-74 Russian troops were able to occupy the Crimean peninsula.Particularly distinguished army under the command of Suvorov, who scored a brilliant victory at Girsova, Kozludzhi and Turtukay.
in Georgia at this time, too, were fighting against the Turks, though not as successful as in Moldova and the Crimean steppes.In 1771 Catherine II ordered to withdraw Russian troops from Georgia, as they continue to stay there felt useless.However, events in the Caucasus, Turkish forces distracted from the main theater of operations, which also had its positive impact on the course of the war.
Finally, the Turkish authorities were forced to sign a peace treaty and fulfill all the conditions that are put forward by Russia.Thus ended the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-74 years.It happened in a small Bulgarian town of Kucuk Kaynardzha in July 1774.
Results of Russian-Turkish war are the following: the Russian Empire gained territory between the Dnieper and the Bug, including the coastline, and the Crimean fortress.The Crimean Khanate was declared an independent state, and the Russian merchant fleet at the same time received the right of free passage through the Straits.Thus, Russia was able to carry out his plan, the most raised in the Russian-Turkish war.
