Territorial expansion of Russia: the chronology of the expansion of the state

Territorial expansion of Russia was started in the Middle Ages and lasted for many centuries, as a result of which modern Russia is the largest state in the world. The expansion of the territories took place almost without stopping. In the hardest conditions of the struggle, the Russians managed to establish their influence on a large part of the continent by the beginning of the twentieth century.

Mastering Siberia

Almost immediately after the formation and strengthening of the Russian state, expansion to other lands began. In the new history, it dates back to the sixteenth century. In 1580, the first detachments went to virtually unexplored areas of Siberia. Cossack Ermak led the campaign. The people who went with him were free Cossacks looking for a better life. Already in the first two years of the expedition it was possible to achieve significant success by capturing several fortresses. The political situation was also explored and the characteristics of the enemy were clarified.

After in Moscow it became known about the successes of the Cossacks, the king personally sanctioned the development of new lands. Thus began the centuries-old territorial expansion of Russia to the east. The conquest of new territories took place in several stages. First the Cossacks landed on the shore and found settlements of the local tribe. Then they entered into peace talks with them, offering on a voluntary basis to kneel before the Russian tsar. If the tribe agreed, the local population was subject to compulsory taxation, and the so-called wintering grounds were built in the settlement.

Conquest

If the natives refused to accept conditions, then the guns, sabers and guns were used. After the conquest in the village, they put a prison in which the garrison remained. Following the military detachments were settlers: Russian peasants who were looking for a new life, the future administration, the clergy and merchants. Thanks to this, the natives quickly assimilated. Many understood the advantages of subjugation to the tsar: scientists, engineers, doctors and other creatures of civilization fell in favor of local tribes.

Up to the eighteenth century, Russia's land and sea borders expanded quite rapidly. Ultimately, this led to a conflict with China and other Asian countries. After this, the development of Siberia slowed down and was completed only by the beginning of the twentieth century.

Campaigns of Peter the Great

At the same time, Russia's territorial expansion to the south took place. Peter the First saw the liberation of the Crimea and the Azov Sea as a priority task. At that time, Russia did not have access to the southern seas, which complicated trade and left borders at risk. Therefore in 1695 a campaign began on Azov. It was, rather, an intelligence mission. And in the winter of the same year, the army began training. A flotilla was built. And in the spring of the same year the fortress was taken under siege. The besieged Turks were frightened by the seen armada and surrendered the fortress.

This victory enabled the construction of port cities. But Peter's gaze was still directed to the Crimea and the Black Sea. It was not possible to get through to him through the Kerch Strait. After this followed another war with Turkey and her vassal Crimean Khanate.

Advance to the north

Territorial expansion of Russia to the north began with the conclusion of an alliance with Denmark and Poland. After the military reforms of Peter the Great began a campaign against Sweden. But near Narva, the Russian army under the command of the Saxon field marshal was defeated. Nevertheless, a year later a new campaign began, which was headed by the great king himself. Within a few days the fortress of Nienschanz was taken . After the capture of the entire north, the city of St. Petersburg was laid. The land and sea borders of Russia moved northward. The access to the Baltic allowed to expand its influence on the sea. Karelia was annexed.

In response to the defeat of Charles the Great began a land campaign against Russia. He advanced deep into the country, exhausting his troops. As a result, on July 8, 1709, the twenty-thousand-strong army of the Swedes was defeated near Poltava. After that, in a short time, the Russian troops launched an offensive against Pomerania.

Sweden lost all its continental lands, and Russia has established itself as one of the leading military and political forces in Europe.

Expanding Westward

After this, the territorial and political expansion of Russia went to the west. After the defeat of the Turkish vassals, the way was opened for the Carpathian Mountains and the Balkans. Using the influence on the lands enslaved by the Turks, the Russian troops prepared insurrections. Thus began the liberation war of the Slavs against the Muslim yoke. The result was the formation of several Slavic Christian powers, and Russia expanded its own territory. Expansion of the Russian Empire to the west continued for several centuries, as a result of which the Russian tsar was sworn by the tsars of Poland, the Baltic states and Finland.