Austro-Russian Alliance (1781) facts for kids
The Austro-Russian Alliance was an important agreement signed by Austria (the Habsburg monarchy) and Russia (the Russian Empire) in May–June 1781. This treaty created a military partnership between the two powerful countries.
Before this, Russia had been allies with Prussia (Russo-Prussian Alliance). However, Russia's goals began to change. They started looking more towards the south, especially at the Ottoman Empire. This new focus was strongly supported by a powerful Russian leader named Grigory Potemkin.
Potemkin believed that Austria would be a much better partner for Russia's new plans than Prussia. Even though the Russo-Prussian Alliance was extended in 1777, the pro-Prussian group in Russia, led by Nikita Ivanovich Panin, lost its power. Potemkin's pro-Austrian group became more influential.
After Maria Theresa of Austria passed away, her son, Joseph II of Austria, wanted to improve relations with Russia. Secret talks began in early 1781. These discussions led to the official formation of the Austro-Russian Alliance around May and June of that year.
The old Russo-Prussian alliance technically lasted until 1788. But once the Austro-Russian Alliance was announced, it became much less important. Prussia found itself isolated on the world stage.
The most significant results of the Austro-Russian Alliance were two major wars: the Austro-Turkish War (1788–1791) and the Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792). However, by 1790, the alliance started to weaken. Russia told Austria that it would not get involved if Austria and Prussia had a conflict.
Sources
- De Madariaga, Isabel. "The secret Austro-Russian treaty of 1781." Slavonic and East European Review 38.90 (1959): 114–145. online
- Mayer, Matthew Z. "The Price for Austria's Security: Part I—Joseph II, the Russian Alliance, and the Ottoman War, 1787–1789." International History Review 26.2 (2004): 257–299. online
