How Russia Expanded Its Holdings Along the Northern Coast of the Black Sea Without Directly Occupying Turkish Territory

The Russian Empire's access to and expansion along the northern coast of the Black Sea in the 17th and 18th centuries provides a fascinating case study in geopolitical intrigue and territorial ambition. While the initial expansionist efforts appear to focus on directly conquering Ottoman territory, the reality was often more complex and indirect. By the end of the 18th century, Russia had effectively established control over the northern coast of the Black Sea largely through a combination of direct conquest, vassal-state influence, and strategic political maneuvers. This article will explore how Russia accomplished this expansion without directly occupying Turkish territory.

Initial Territorial Acquisitions: 1538-1696

The northern coast of the Black Sea had seen changing hands over the centuries. By the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the region came under Ottoman influence. The southeastern coast of Crimea was annexed in 1475, followed by Bessarabia, which included Akkerman, Bilhorod, and Yedisan, in 1538. These early acquisitions marked the beginning of the Ottoman Empire’s dominance along the Black Sea coast.

Direct Conquest and Military Expeditions: 1696-1739

Despite the Ottoman presence, Russia saw the necessity of obtaining a direct outlet to the Black Sea. Under Peter the Great (r. 1682-1725), Russia attacked Azov in 1696, capturing it and establishing a strategic foothold. However, this victory was short-lived as the Turks reclaimed Azov in 1711. The Russian Empire did not give up, and under Anna Ivanovna (r. 1730-1740), Russia retook Azov in 1733, this time permanently. This success paved the way for further territorial claims. Catherine the Great (r. 1762-1796) continued this expansion through a series of military campaigns. By 1739, Crimea had become a vassal state, and by 1774, the Crimean Khanate was effectively a Russian dependency. Odessa, founded in 1794, further solidified Russian control over the region.

Final Expansions: 1792-1878

With the annexation of Crimea, Russia turned its attention to other territories. By 1792, Yedisan was conquered, followed by the establishment of Odessa in 1794. Bessarabia, along with the outpost at Akkerman, was annexed in 1812, completing the Russian control over the southern portion of the Black Sea coast. The expansion to the southeast was equally significant. Russia imposed its control over the Georgian vassals in 1803-1810 and continued its expansion in stages, acquiring Poti and Sokhumi in 1829 and Batumi in 1878. These acquisitions solidified Russia's control over the entire northern and eastern coasts of the Black Sea.

The Impact of the Crimean War and Its Aftermath

The Crimean War of 1853-1856 marked a turning point for the Russian Empire. Despite military successes during the war, Russia lost southern Bessarabia to Moldavia, which was subsequently joined with Wallachia to form the United Kingdom of Romania in 1856. Russia reclaimed Bessarabia in 1878, with the region receiving northern Dobrudja as compensation.

However, the territorial adjustments during the Crimean War did not alter the geopolitical landscape along the Black Sea. By the end of the 19th century, the Russian Empire had established a robust presence along the northern coast of the Black Sea, with strategic outposts and administrative control stretching from Crimea to the Georgian coast.

Conclusion

While the Russian Empire did make direct military incursions into Ottoman territory, the expansion of Russian influence along the northern coast of the Black Sea was achieved through a series of indirect maneuvers. From the initial vassal-state influence to direct conquest and strategic expansions, Russia strategically secured control over the region. By 1878, the Russian Empire had effectively established control over the northern and eastern coasts of the Black Sea, a formidable position that would shape the geopolitical landscape for decades to come.