The aggressive policy of France in the late 18th - early 19th centuries laid the foundation for numerous French coalitions, including states that were in direct danger from the French interventionists. In most cases, Russia took part in anti-French coalitions, but the degree of activity of the Russian Empire as part of such an alliance was different each time.
First anti-French alliance
Anti-French coalition No. 1 was formed in connection with a deep crisis in France itself. Raising his political image, King Louis XVI declared war on Austria. Particularly cynical was the fact that the king was satisfied with any outcome of hostilities. In the event of victory, the authority of the king would have been strengthened, as a result of the defeat, the actions of the leaders of the revolutionary movement would have been weakened. European governments were seriously concerned about developments in France. Between 1791 and 1815, seven anti-French alliances were formed. The anti-French alliance of the first and second convocations had its ownto overthrow the republican system in France. The composition of the anti-French coalitions of subsequent years sought to defeat Napoleon.
War with Austria
The newly formed Girondin government was the loudest of all about the start of the war. But in their desire to bring "peace to the huts, and war to the palaces," they clearly overdid it. France was sorely lacking money for military operations. Meanwhile, the German states took the declaration of war more than seriously. Thus was created the first French coalition. Austria and Prussia soloed in it. The new regime began to pose a serious threat to the European monarchical states. The Russian Empire was well aware of the seriousness of the danger. In 1793, the Russian Empire joined them - a convention was signed with England on mutual demands for assistance to each other in the fight against France. After the death of Catherine II, Paul I terminated the agreement, explaining that Russia did not have the means to wage wars. Instead, Russian diplomats tried to limit French victories through diplomatic channels.
Second anti-French coalition
After the restoration of its own borders, France began to claim dominance in the European region. In order to contain the young republic, a second French coalition was signed. Russia, England, Turkey, Sicily became its most active members. After a series of naval victories under the leadership of Nelson and Ushakov, the Allies decided to take military action on land.
Werethe Italian and Swiss campaigns of Suvorov were carried out. Due to the passive behavior of Austria and England, Paul I terminates Russian participation in the anti-French coalition, concludes new agreements with France and Prussia. A trade war with England has begun.
Anti-Napoleonic alliances
Subsequent coalitions no longer set as their goal the restoration of the monarchy in France and the overthrow of the republican system. The frightening successes of the French army under the leadership of Napoleon forced the European countries to look for new opportunities to create defense alliances. The third anti-French coalition was purely defensive in nature. The participants were Russia, Sweden, England and Austria. Allied troops suffered defeat after defeat. The most devastating blow was the "battle of the three emperors" at Austerlitz, where the Allied forces were completely defeated.
The fourth and fifth anti-French coalitions could not hold back Napoleon's victorious offensive against Europe. One by one, the European states capitulated. Prussia ceased to exist, Austria lost a good part of its lands, and the Duchy of Warsaw fell under the protectorate of Russia. Napoleonic troops entrenched in Egypt.
The sixth coalition arose after Napoleon's military invasion of Russia. The anti-French alliance united Russia, Sweden and Prussia. The main burden of hostilities fell on the share of the Russian Empire. Later, England and a number of smaller states joined the union. The coalition broke up due to the deposition of Napoleon.
The seventh and last anti-French coalition arose in connection with the event known in history as the "Hundred Days of Napoleon". The coalition united almost all major European countries. After the final defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, the coalition fell apart, and more alliances of this kind did not arise.
