Russo-Turkish War facts for kids
The Russo-Turkish wars were a long series of conflicts between two powerful empires: the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. These wars happened over many centuries, from the 1600s to the 1900s. They are known as one of the longest sets of wars in European history.
Most of these wars ended badly for the Ottoman Empire. At the same time, they showed how Russia was becoming a very strong European power. This was especially true after Peter the Great worked to modernize Russia in the early 1700s.
Contents
Why These Empires Fought
The Russian and Ottoman Empires were often rivals. They both wanted more land and power.
Control of Important Areas
One big reason for the wars was control over important areas. These included the Black Sea and the lands around it. The Black Sea was key for trade and for moving military ships. Russia wanted access to warm-water ports. This would let their ships sail all year, which was important for trade and defense.
Protecting Religious Groups
Another reason was religion. Russia saw itself as the protector of Orthodox Christians. Many Orthodox Christians lived in the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans were mostly Muslim. This difference sometimes led to tensions and conflicts.
Expanding Territories
Both empires also wanted to expand their territories. Russia wanted to move south and west. The Ottoman Empire wanted to keep its lands and sometimes expand into Europe. This constant push and pull led to many battles.
Key Wars and Their Outcomes
Over the centuries, there were many different Russo-Turkish Wars. Each one had its own reasons and results.
Early Conflicts (17th-18th Centuries)
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Russia began to grow stronger. They started to challenge the Ottoman Empire more often.
Peter the Great's Campaigns
Peter the Great led Russia in the early 1700s. He wanted to make Russia a modern European power. He fought the Ottomans to gain control of the city of Azov. This city was important because it was near the Black Sea. Russia captured Azov in 1696. This was a big step for Russia's navy.
Catherine the Great's Victories
Later, Catherine the Great ruled Russia. She also had many successes against the Ottomans. During her time, Russia gained a lot of land. They took control of the Crimea and parts of the Black Sea coast. This greatly increased Russia's power in the region.
19th Century Wars
The 19th century saw more major conflicts. The Ottoman Empire was getting weaker. Russia was becoming even stronger.
Crimean War (1853–1856)
The Crimean War was a bit different. In this war, other European powers like Britain and France joined the Ottoman side. They did this to stop Russia from becoming too powerful. Russia lost this war. It showed that Russia still had some weaknesses.
Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)
This war was a big win for Russia. It led to the creation of new countries in the Balkans. Countries like Bulgaria gained their independence from the Ottoman Empire. This war significantly changed the map of southeastern Europe.
End of the Conflicts
The last major conflict between Russia and the Ottoman Empire was during World War I. Both empires were on opposite sides. After World War I, both empires changed a lot. The Russian Empire became the Soviet Union. The Ottoman Empire ended and became modern Turkey.
The long series of Russo-Turkish Wars had a huge impact on the history of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. They shaped borders and influenced the rise and fall of empires.
Images for kids
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Capture of Azov by the troops of Peter the Great in 1696
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The destruction of the Ottoman fleet in Battle of Chesma
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The destruction of the Ottoman fleet in Battle of Sinop
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Russian troops entering Adrianople
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Negotiations for San Stefano Agreement
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Ottoman losses in yellow in the Balkans after the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), from Literary and Historical Atlas of Europe by J. G. Bartholomew, 1912
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The area of Russian occupation of that region in summer 1916.
See also
In Spanish: Guerras ruso-turcas para niños
