Russo-Turkish war of 1877 who won. Russo-Turkish War

17.10.2019

The reasons for the Russian-Turkish war (1877-1878), which became an important event in the history of both states, must be known in order to understand the historical processes of that time. The hostilities affected not only the relations between Russia and Turkey, but also world politics in general, since this war also affected the interests of other states.

General list of reasons

The table below will provide a general idea of ​​the factors due to which the war was unleashed.

Cause

Explanation

The Balkan issue escalated

Turkey is pursuing a tough policy against the southern Slavs in the Balkans, they resist it and declare war

The desire for revenge for the Crimean War and the struggle for the return of Russia's influence in the international arena

After the Crimean War, Russia lost a lot, and the new war with Turkey made it possible to return it. In addition, Alexander II wanted to show Russia as an influential and strong state.

Defense of the South Slavs

Russia positions itself as a state that is concerned about the issue of protecting Orthodox peoples from the atrocities of the Turks, therefore it provides support to the weak Serbian army

Conflict over the status of the Straits

For Russia, which was reviving the Black Sea Fleet, this issue was fundamental

These were the main prerequisites for the Russian-Turkish war, which led to the outbreak of hostilities. What events immediately preceded the war?

Rice. 1. Soldier of the Serbian army.

Timeline of events leading up to the Russo-Turkish War

In 1875, an uprising took place in the Balkans on the territory of Bosnia, which was brutally suppressed. The next year, in 1876, it broke out in Bulgaria, the massacre was also quick and ruthless. In June 1876, Serbia declares war on Turkey, to which Russia provides direct support, sending several thousand volunteers to strengthen its weak army.

However, the Serbian troops still suffer defeat - they were defeated near Djunish in 1876. After that, Russia demanded guarantees from Turkey for the preservation of the cultural rights of the South Slavic peoples.

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Rice. 2. The defeat of the Serbian army.

In January 1877, Russian and Turkish diplomats and representatives of European countries gathered in Istanbul, but no common solution was found.

Two months later, in March 1877, Turkey nevertheless signs an agreement on reforms, but does so under pressure and subsequently ignores all the agreements reached. This becomes the reason for the Russian-Turkish war, as diplomatic measures proved to be ineffective.

However, Emperor Alexander did not dare to act against Turkey for a long time, as he was worried about the reaction of the world community. However, in April 1877, the corresponding manifesto was signed.

Rice. 3. Emperor Alexander.

Previously, agreements were reached with Austria-Hungary, aimed at preventing the history of the Crimean War from repeating itself: for non-intervention, this country received Bosnia. Russia also agreed with England, which Cyprus departed for neutrality.

What have we learned?

What were the reasons for the Russian-Turkish war - the aggravated Balkan issue, the desire for revenge, the need to challenge the status of the straits in connection with the revival of the Black Sea Fleet and the protection of the interests of the southern Slavs who suffered from the oppression of the Turks. We briefly reviewed the events and outcomes of these events that preceded the war with Turkey, sorted out the prerequisites and the need for military action. We learned what diplomatic efforts were made to prevent it and why they did not lead to success. We also learned what territories were promised to Austria-Hungary and England because they refused to act on the side of Turkey.

The results of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 were very positive for Russia, which managed to return not only part of the territories lost during the Crimean War, but also its position in international politics.

The results of the war for the Russian Empire and not only

The Russo-Turkish War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano on February 19, 1878.

As a result of the hostilities, Russia not only received part of Bessarabia in the south, which it lost due to the Crimean War, but also the strategically important Batum region (in which the Mikhailovsky fortress was soon erected) and the Karr region, the main population of which were Armenians and Georgians.

Rice. 1. Mikhailovskaya fortress.

Bulgaria became an autonomous Slavic principality. Romania, Serbia and Montenegro became independent.

Seven years after the conclusion of the Treaty of San Stefano, in 1885, Romania united with Bulgaria, they became a single principality.

Rice. 2. Map of the distribution of territories under the Treaty of San Stefano.

One of the important foreign policy consequences of the Russian-Turkish war was that the Russian Empire and Great Britain emerged from a state of confrontation. This was greatly facilitated by the fact that she received the right to send troops to Cyprus.

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A comparative table of the results of the Russian-Turkish war will give a clearer idea of ​​what the terms of the San Stefano Treaty were, as well as the corresponding terms of the Berlin Treaty (signed on July 1, 1878). The need for its adoption arose due to the fact that the European powers expressed their dissatisfaction with the original conditions.

Treaty of San Stefano

Berlin treatise

Türkiye undertakes to pay a significant indemnity to the Russian Empire

Contribution reduced

Bulgaria became an autonomous principality with an obligation to pay tribute annually to Turkey

Southern Bulgaria remained with Turkey, only the northern part of the country gained independence

Montenegro, Romania and Serbia have significantly increased their territories, gained full independence

Montenegro and Serbia received less territory than under the first treaty. The condition of independence was kept

4. Russia received Bessarabia, Kars, Bayazet, Ardagan, Batum

England sends troops to Cyprus, the Austro-Hungarian Empire occupies Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bayazet and Ardagan remained with Turkey - Russia refused them

Rice. 3. Map of the distribution of territories according to the Berlin Treaty.

The English historian A. Taylor noted that after 30 years of wars, it was the Treaty of Berlin that established peace for 34 years. He called this document a kind of watershed between two historical periods. Report Evaluation

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Lesson on the history of Russia in the 8th grade.

Teacher Kaloeva T.S. MBOU secondary school No. 46. Vladikavkaz.

Topic: Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878.

Lesson type: Learning a new topic.

Goals:

Educational:

    Find out the causes of the war.

    the course and consequences of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878;

    Find out the goals of the parties

Developing:

    develop map skills

    develop the ability to highlight the main thing in the text of the textbook,

    retelling the material read, posing and solving problems.

Educational:

using the example of the valor and courage of the Russian army to instill a sense of love and pride for the Motherland.

Basic concepts:

    Congress of Berlin - June 1878

    Plevna

    Nikopol

    Shipka Pass

Lesson equipment:

    Wall map "Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878";

    Presentation for the lesson.

    projector;

    screen;

    computer;

Lesson plan:

    Balkan crisis.

    Forces and plans of the parties.

    The course of military operations.

    Fall of Plevna. A turning point in the war.

    Berlin Congress.

During the classes

I. Organizational moment.

II. Poll.

What are the main directions of the foreign policy of Alexander II. What is foreign policy?(This is the relationship with other states.

What are the main directions?(These are the Middle East, European, Far East and Central Asian directions, as well as the sale of Alaska.)

1. Middle East direction. Russia regained the right to build fortresses and maintain a fleet on the Black Sea. A great merit in this belonged to the Minister of Foreign Affairs A.M. Gorchakov, "Iron Chancellor" of the Russian Empire.

2. European direction. In the 1870s after the London conference in 1871, Russia and Germany came closer. In such a rapprochement, Russia could see a certain guarantee against an attack by Germany, which had become extremely strong after the victory over France. In 1873, an agreement was concluded between Russia, Germany and Austria, according to which, in the event of an attack on one of these countries, negotiations on joint actions began between the allies - the "Union of Three Emperors".

3 . Central Asian direction. In the 60-70s of the XIX century, Russian troops under the command of generals Chernyaev and Skobelev conquered the territory of the Khiva and Kokand khanates, as well as the Bukhara emirate. The influence of Russia in Central Asia, which England claimed, was established.

4 .Far East direction. The further liberation of the Far East and Siberia by Russia, the active actions of England and France in China forced the Russian government to turn to clarifying the borders with China.

5 . Sale of Alaska. The decision to sell Alaska for $7.2 million. In addition, Russia sought to strengthen friendly relations with the United States.

What event in Russia's foreign policy at that time could be called a "triumph of Russian diplomacy"?(Russia did not have the right to keep a navy in the Black Sea after the Crimean War. Russia, represented by Chancellor Gorchakov, sought to neutralize the Black Sea by diplomatic means, negotiated and used contradictions between the European powers. At the London Conference (March 1871), this issue was resolved positively. This was the "triumph of Russian diplomacy" and personally A. M. Gorchakov.)

III. Exploring a new topic.

1. Balkan crisis. Do you remember what the "Eastern question" is? (Circle of problems associated with the Ottoman Empire).

Russia's goal in the war:

1. Free the Slavic peoples from the Turkish yoke.

Reason for war: On the initiative of A.M. Gorchakov Russia, Germany and Austria demanded from Turkey to equalize the rights of Christians with Muslims, but Turkey, encouraged by the support of England, refused.

Which Slavic peoples were ruled by the Ottoman Empire?(Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Herzegovina).

Causes of the war In: Russia and the Liberation Struggle of the Balkan Peoples.

spring1875 The uprising against the Turkish yoke began in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A year later, in April1876 an uprising broke out in Bulgaria. Turkish punishers suppressed these uprisings with fire and sword. Only in Bulgaria they carved more30 thousands of people. Serbia and Montenegro in summer1876 g. started a war against Turkey. But the forces were unequal. The poorly armed Slavic armies suffered setbacks. In Russia, a social movement in defense of the Slavs was expanding. Thousands of Russian volunteers were sent to the Balkans. Donations were collected all over the country, weapons, medicines were bought, hospitals were equipped. The outstanding Russian surgeon N. V. Sklifosovsky led the Russian sanitary detachments in Montenegro, and the famous general practitioner S. P. Botkin- in Serbia. AlexanderIIintroduced10 thousand rubles in favor of the rebels. Calls for Russian military intervention were heard from everywhere.However, the government acted cautiously, realizing Russia's unpreparedness for a major war. Reforms in the army and its rearmament have not yet been completed. They did not have time to recreate the Black Sea Fleet either. Meanwhile, Serbia was defeated. Serbian Prince Milan turned to the king with a request for help. In October1876 d. Russia gave Turkey an ultimatum: immediately conclude a truce with Serbia. Russian intervention prevented the fall of Belgrade.

Exercise: the war unfolded on 2 fronts: the Balkan and the Caucasian.

Compare the strengths of the parties. Make a conclusion about the readiness of Russia and the Ottoman Empire for war.

Side forces

Balkan front

Caucasian Front

Russians

Turks

Russians

Turks

250,000 soldiers

338,000 soldiers

55,000 soldiers

70,000 soldiers

April 12, 1877 . – Alexander II signed a manifesto on the beginning of the war with Turkey

Map work.

The Balkans divided the territory of Bulgaria into North and South. The Shipka Pass connected the northern part of Bulgaria with the southern one. It was a convenient way for the passage of troops with artillery through the mountains. The shortest route to the city of Andrianopol went through Shipka, i.e. in the rear of the Turkish army.

Having crossed the Balkans, it was important for the Russian army to control all the fortresses of northern Bulgaria in order to prevent the Turks from attacking from the rear.

3. The course of hostilities.

Work with the textbook: pp.199-201.

We answer questions:

1. When did the Russian army cross the Danube? - (in June 1877).

2. Who liberated the capital of Bulgaria, Tarnovo? (detachment I.V. Gurko).

3. When did Plevna fall? 9 in November 1877)

4. What was Skobelev called in the troops? ("The White General")

4. San Stefano Peace Treaty.

The successes of the Russian troops, disagreements among the Turkish government, the efforts of the national liberation movement in the Balkans forced the Sultan to offer Alexander II to stop hostilities and start peace negotiations.February 19, 1878 -signing of an agreement between Russia and Turkey.

According to the treaty: Serbia, Montenegro and Romania gained independence. Bulgaria became an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire, i.e. received the right to its own government, army, communication with Turkey was limited to the payment of tribute.

Western European states expressed their disagreement with the terms of the San Stefano Treaty. Austria-Hungary and England declared that he violated the terms of the Peace of Paris. Russia faced the threat of a new war, for which she was not ready. Therefore, the Russian government was forced to agree to the discussion of a peace treaty with Turkey at the international congress in Berlin.

5. Berlin Congress and the results of the war.

June 1878 - Congress of Berlin.

Bulgaria was divided into two parts:

Northern was declared a principality dependent on Turkey,

South - the autonomous Turkish province of Eastern Rumelia.

The territories of Serbia and Montenegro have been significantly curtailed.

Russia returned Bayazet fortress to Turkey.

Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina.

England received the island of Cyprus.

( The Berlin Congress worsened the position of the Balkan peoples, liberated by Russia from the Turkish yoke. His decisions showed the fragility of the alliance of the three emperors, revealed the struggle of the powers for the division of the territory of the disintegrating Ottoman Empire. However, as a result of the Russian-Turkish war, part of the Balkan peoples gained independence, and the paths were opened for the remaining Turks under power to fight for freedom.)

Guys, now you will work with the text. Find the mistakes in it and write the correct answer.

Each major event leaves a mark in history, lives in the memory of mankind. The heroism and courage of Russians and Bulgarians were immortalized in monuments. A majestic monument to the glory of Russian and Bulgarian soldiers in memory of the heroic events of those years was built on Shipka in Bulgaria.

Despite the forced concessions to Russia, the war in the Balkans became the most important step in the national liberation struggle of the South Slavic peoples against the Ottoman yoke. The authority of Russian military glory was fully restored. And this happened largely thanks to a simple Russian soldier who showed stamina and courage in battles, amazing endurance in the most difficult conditions of a combat situation.We must always remember that the heroes of the Victory were connected by invisible threads with the heroes of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, as well as with the Suvorov miraculous heroes, the soldiers of Dmitry Donskoy and Alexander Nevsky and all our great ancestors. And this continuity, in spite of everything, must be preserved in our people forever. And each of you, remembering these events, should feel like a citizen of a great state, whose name is Russia!

And each of us must remember these events, must feel like a citizen of a great state, whose name is Russia!

Heroes of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878

Balkan front:

    General Stoletov N.G. - Defense of Shipka.

    general Kridener N.P. - Instead of the fortress of Plevna, he took Nikopol.

    General Skobelev M.D. - took the suburb of Istanbul - San Stefano.

    General Gurko N.V. - liberated Tarnovo, captured the Shipka Pass, occupied Sofia, Adrianople.

    General Totleben E.I. - freed Plevna from the Turks.

Caucasian front:

    Loris-Melikov M.T. - occupied the fortresses of Bayazet, Ardagan, Kars.

    At the end, the lesson is summed up. Grades are given for the lesson.

    Homework: P§ 28. Compile a chronological table of the war of 1877-1878. Read the documents on pages 203-204, answer the questions.

No one knows anything in advance. And the greatest misfortune can befall a person in the best place, and the greatest happiness will find him - in the worst..

Alexander Solzhenitsyn

In the foreign policy of the Russian Empire in the 19th century, there were four wars with the Ottoman Empire. Russia won three of them, lost one. The last war in the 19th century between the two countries was the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, in which Russia won. The victory was one of the results of the military reform of Alexander 2. As a result of the war, the Russian Empire regained a number of territories, and also helped to acquire the independence of Serbia, Montenegro and Romania. In addition, for non-intervention in the war, Austria-Hungary received Bosnia, and England received Cyprus. The article is devoted to the description of the causes of the war between Russia and Turkey, its stages and main battles, the results and historical consequences of the war, as well as the analysis of the reaction of Western European countries to the growing influence of Russia in the Balkans.

What were the causes of the Russian-Turkish war?

Historians identify the following reasons for the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878:

  1. Exacerbation of the "Balkan" issue.
  2. Russia's desire to regain its status as an influential player in the foreign arena.
  3. Russian support for the national movement of the Slavic peoples in the Balkans, seeking to expand its influence in the region. This caused intense resistance from the countries of Europe and the Ottoman Empire.
  4. The conflict between Russia and Turkey over the status of the straits, as well as the desire for revenge for the defeat in the Crimean War of 1853-1856.
  5. Turkey's unwillingness to compromise, ignoring not only the demands of Russia, but also the European community.

Now let's look at the causes of the war between Russia and Turkey in more detail, since it is important to know and correctly interpret them. Despite the lost Crimean War, Russia, thanks to some reforms (primarily military) of Alexander II, again became an influential and strong state in Europe. This forced many politicians in Russia to think about revenge for the lost war. But this was not even the most important thing - much more important was the desire to return the right to have the Black Sea Fleet. In many ways, to achieve this goal, the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 was unleashed, which we will discuss briefly later.

In 1875, an uprising against Turkish rule began on the territory of Bosnia. The army of the Ottoman Empire brutally suppressed it, but already in April 1876 an uprising began in Bulgaria. Türkiye dealt with this national movement as well. In protest against the policy towards the South Slavs, and also wishing to realize their territorial tasks, Serbia in June 1876 declared war on the Ottoman Empire. The Serbian army was much weaker than the Turkish one. Since the beginning of the 19th century, Russia has positioned itself as a defender of the Slavic peoples in the Balkans, so Chernyaev went to Serbia, as well as several thousand Russian volunteers.

After the defeat of the Serbian army in October 1876 near Dyunish, Russia called on Turkey to stop hostilities and guarantee the cultural rights of the Slavic people. The Ottomans, feeling the support of Britain, ignored the ideas of Russia. Despite the obviousness of the conflict, the Russian Empire tried to resolve the issue peacefully. This is evidenced by several conferences convened by Alexander II, in particular in January 1877 in Istanbul. Ambassadors and representatives of key European countries gathered there, but did not come to a common decision.

In March, an agreement was signed in London, which obliged Turkey to carry out reforms, but the latter completely ignored it. Thus, Russia was left with only one option for resolving the conflict - a military one. Until the last, Alexander 2 did not dare to start a war with Turkey, as he was worried that the war would again turn into resistance of European countries to Russia's foreign policy. On April 12, 1877, Alexander II signed a manifesto declaring war on the Ottoman Empire. In addition, the emperor concluded an agreement with Austria-Hungary on the non-accession of the latter on the side of Turkey. In exchange for neutrality, Austria-Hungary was to receive Bosnia.

Map of the Russo-Turkish War 1877-1878


Major battles of the war

In the period April-August 1877, several important battles took place:

  • Already on the first day of the war, Russian troops captured key Turkish fortresses on the Danube, and also crossed the Caucasian border.
  • On April 18, Russian troops captured Boyazet, an important Turkish stronghold in Armenia. However, already in the period of June 7-28, the Turks tried to carry out a counteroffensive, the Russian troops withstood in a heroic struggle.
  • At the beginning of the summer, General Gurko's troops captured the ancient Bulgarian capital of Tarnovo, and on July 5 they established control over the Shipka Pass, through which the road to Istanbul went.
  • During May-August, Romanians and Bulgarians massively began to create partisan detachments to help the Russians in the war against the Ottomans.

Battle of Plevna in 1877

The main problem of Russia was that the inexperienced brother of the emperor Nikolai Nikolayevich commanded the troops. Therefore, individual Russian troops actually acted without a center, which means they acted as uncoordinated units. As a result, on July 7-18, two unsuccessful attempts to storm Plevna were made, as a result of which about 10 thousand Russians died. In August, the third assault began, which turned into a protracted blockade. At the same time, from August 9 until December 28, the heroic defense of the Shipka Pass lasted. In this sense, the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, even briefly, seems to be very contradictory in terms of events and personalities.

In the autumn of 1877, a key battle took place near the fortress of Plevna. By order of Minister of War D. Milyutin, the army abandoned the assault on the fortress, and moved on to a systematic siege. The army of Russia, as well as its ally Romania, numbered about 83 thousand people, and the garrison of the fortress consisted of 34 thousand soldiers. The last battle near Plevna took place on November 28, the Russian army emerged victorious and was finally able to capture the impregnable fortress. This was one of the biggest defeats of the Turkish army: 10 generals and several thousand officers were taken prisoner. In addition, Russia was establishing control over an important fortress, opening its way to Sofia. This was the beginning of a turning point in the Russian-Turkish war.

Eastern front

On the eastern front, the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 also developed rapidly. In early November, another important strategic fortress, Kars, was captured. Due to simultaneous failures on two fronts, Turkey completely lost control over the movement of its own troops. On December 23, the Russian army entered Sofia.

In 1878, Russia entered with a complete advantage over the enemy. On January 3, the assault on Phillipopolis began, and already on the 5th the city was taken, the road to Istanbul was opened before the Russian Empire. On January 10, Russia enters Adrianople, the defeat of the Ottoman Empire is a fact, the Sultan is ready to sign peace on Russia's terms. Already on January 19, the parties agreed on a preliminary agreement, which significantly strengthened the role of Russia in the Black and Marmara Seas, as well as in the Balkans. This caused the strongest fear of the countries of Europe.

The reaction of major European powers to the successes of Russian troops

Most of all, England expressed dissatisfaction, which already at the end of January brought a fleet into the Sea of ​​​​Marmara, threatening an attack in the event of a Russian invasion of Istanbul. England demanded to move Russian troops away from the Turkish capital, and also to start developing a new treaty. Russia found itself in a difficult situation that threatened to repeat the scenario of 1853-1856, when the entry of European troops violated Russia's advantage, which led to defeat. Given this, Alexander 2 agreed to revise the treaty.

On February 19, 1878, in San Stefano, a suburb of Istanbul, a new treaty was signed with the participation of England.


The main outcomes of the war were recorded in the San Stefano Peace Treaty:

  • Russia annexed Bessarabia, as well as part of Turkish Armenia.
  • Türkiye paid the Russian Empire an indemnity of 310 million rubles.
  • Russia received the right to have the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol.
  • Serbia, Montenegro and Romania gained independence, and Bulgaria received this status 2 years later, after the final withdrawal of Russian troops from there (which were there in case Turkey tried to return the territory).
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina received the status of autonomy, but were actually occupied by Austria-Hungary.
  • In peacetime, Turkey was supposed to open ports for all ships that were heading to Russia.
  • Turkey was obliged to organize reforms in the cultural sphere (in particular for the Slavs and Armenians).

However, these conditions did not suit the European states. As a result, in June-July 1878, a congress was held in Berlin, at which some decisions were revised:

  1. Bulgaria was divided into several parts, and only the northern part received independence, while the southern part returned to Turkey.
  2. The contribution amount has been reduced.
  3. England received Cyprus, and Austria-Hungary the official right to occupy Bosnia and Herzegovina.

war heroes

The Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 traditionally became a "minute of glory" for many soldiers and military leaders. In particular, several Russian generals became famous:

  • Joseph Gurko. Hero of the capture of the Shipka Pass, as well as the capture of Adrianople.
  • Mikhail Skobilev. He led the heroic defense of the Shipka Pass, as well as the capture of Sofia. He received the nickname "White General", and among the Bulgarians is considered a national hero.
  • Mikhail Loris-Melikov. Hero of the battles for Boyazet in the Caucasus.

In Bulgaria there are over 400 monuments erected in honor of the Russians who fought in the war against the Ottomans in 1877-1878. There are many memorial plaques, mass graves, etc. One of the most famous monuments is the Freedom Monument on the Shipka Pass. There is also a monument to Emperor Alexander 2. There are also many settlements named after the Russians. Thus, the Bulgarian people thank the Russians for the liberation of Bulgaria from Turkey, and the cessation of Muslim rule, which lasted more than five centuries. During the war years, the Bulgarians themselves called the Russians "brothers", and this word remained in the Bulgarian language as a synonym for "Russians".

Historical reference

The historical significance of the war

The Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 ended with the complete and unconditional victory of the Russian Empire, but despite the military success, European states put up a swift resistance to the strengthening of Russia's role in Europe. In an effort to weaken Russia, England and Turkey insisted that not all the aspirations of the southern Slavs were realized, in particular, not the entire territory of Bulgaria gained independence, and Bosnia passed from the Ottoman occupation to the Austrian one. As a result, the national problems of the Balkans became even more complicated, as a result turning this region into a "powder keg of Europe". It was here that the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne took place, becoming the pretext for the start of the First World War. This is generally a funny and paradoxical situation - Russia wins victories on the battlefield, but over and over again suffers defeats in the diplomatic fields.


Russia regained its lost territories, the Black Sea Fleet, but never achieved the desire to dominate the Balkan Peninsula. This factor was also used by Russia when entering the First World War. For the Ottoman Empire, which was completely defeated, the idea of ​​​​revenge was preserved, which forced it to enter into a world war against Russia. These were the results of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, which we briefly reviewed today.

The Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 is a war between the Russian Empire and its allied Balkan states on the one hand, and the Ottoman Empire on the other. It was caused by the rise of national consciousness in the Balkans. The cruelty with which the April Uprising was crushed in Bulgaria aroused sympathy for the position of the Christians of the Ottoman Empire in Europe and especially in Russia. Attempts to improve the position of Christians by peaceful means were frustrated by the stubborn unwillingness of the Turks to make concessions to Europe, and in April 1877 Russia declared war on Turkey.

Detachment of Don Cossacks in front of the emperor's residence in Ploiesti, June 1877.


In the course of the ensuing hostilities, the Russian army managed, using the passivity of the Turks, to successfully cross the Danube, capture the Shipka Pass and, after a five-month siege, force Osman Pasha's best Turkish army to surrender at Plevna. The subsequent raid through the Balkans, during which the Russian army defeated the last Turkish units blocking the road to Constantinople, led to the withdrawal of the Ottoman Empire from the war.

At the Berlin Congress held in the summer of 1878, the Berlin Treaty was signed, which fixed the return of the southern part of Bessarabia to Russia and the annexation of Kars, Ardagan and Batum. The statehood of Bulgaria was restored (it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1396) as a vassal Principality of Bulgaria; the territories of Serbia, Montenegro and Romania increased, and the Turkish Bosnia and Herzegovina was occupied by Austria-Hungary.

Emperor Alexander II

Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich, commander-in-chief of the Danube army, in front of the main headquarters in Ploiesti, June 1877.

Sanitary convoy for transporting the wounded of the Russian army.

Mobile sanitary detachment of Her Imperial Majesty.

Field infirmary in the village of Pordim, November 1877.

His Majesty Sovereign Emperor Alexander II, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich and Karol I, Prince of Romania, with staff officers in Gornaya Studen, October 1877.

Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, Prince Alexander Battenberg and Colonel Skarialin in the village of Pordim, September 1877.

Count Ignatiev among employees in Gornaya Studen, September 1877.

The transition of Russian troops on the way to Plevna. In the background is the place where on December 10, 1877, Osman Pasha delivered the main blow.

View of the tents, which housed the wounded Russian soldiers.

Doctors and nurses of the field infirmary of the Russian Red Cross, November 1877.

Medical personnel of one of the sanitary units, 1877.

Sanitary train carrying wounded Russian soldiers at one of the stations.

Russian battery in position near Korabiya. Romanian coast, June 1877.

Pontoon bridge between Zimnitsa and Svishtov from Bulgaria, August 1877.

Bulgarian holiday in Byala, September 1877.

Prince V. Cherkassky, head of the civil administration in the liberated Russian lands, with his associates in a field camp near the village of Gorna Studen, October 1877.

Caucasian Cossacks from the imperial escort in front of the residence in the village of Pordim, November 1877.

Grand Duke, heir to the throne Alexander Alexandrovich with his headquarters near the city of Ruse, October 1877.

General Strukov in front of the house of the inhabitants of Gornaya Studena, October 1877.

Prince V. Cherkassky at his headquarters in Gornaya Studen, October 1877.

Lieutenants Shestakov and Dubasov, who blew up the Selfi monitor in the Machinsky branch of the Danube River, June 14-15, 1877. The first knights of the St. George Cross in the Russian-Turkish war, June 1877.

Bulgarian governor from the retinue of Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich, October 1877.

Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich with his adjutant in front of the tent in Pordima, 1877.

Guards Grenadier Artillery Brigade.

His Majesty Sovereign Emperor Alexander II, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich and Carol I, Prince of Romania, in Mountain Studen. The photo was taken just before the assault on Plevna on September 11, 1877.

General I. V. Gurko, Gorn Studena, September 1877.

A group of generals and adjutants in front of the residence of Alexander II in Pordima, October-November 1877.

The advanced frontiers of the Caucasians.



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