The territorial expansion of Russia began in the Middle Ages and continued for many centuries, as a result of which the modern Russian Federation is the largest state in the world. The expansion of territories took place almost non-stop.
In the most difficult conditions of the struggle, the Russians managed to establish their influence in a significant part of the continent by the beginning of the twentieth century.
Development of Siberia
Almost immediately after the formation and strengthening of the Russian state, expansion to other lands began. In modern history, it originates in the sixteenth century. In 1580, the first detachments went to the practically unexplored lands of Siberia. The campaign was led by the Cossack Yermak. The people who went with him were free Cossacks who were looking for a better life. Already in the first two years of the expedition, significant success was achieved, capturing several fortresses. The political situation was also scouted and the features of the enemy were clarified.
After it became known in Moscow about the successes of the Cossacks, the tsar personally authorized 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 severalstages. First, the Cossacks landed on the shore and found the settlements of the local tribe. Then they entered into peace negotiations with them, offering to kneel before the Russian Tsar on a voluntary basis. If the tribe agreed, then the local population was subject to a mandatory tax, and the so-called winter quarters were built in the settlement.
Conquest
If the natives refused to accept the conditions, then guns, sabers and guns were used. After the conquest, a prison was set up in the village, in which the garrison remained. The military detachments were followed by 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 benefits of being a tsar: scientists, engineers, doctors and other creatures of civilization fell in love with the local tribes.
Until the eighteenth century, Russia's land and sea borders expanded quite rapidly. This eventually led to conflict with China and other Asian countries. After that, the development of Siberia slowed down and ended 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 Great saw the liberation of the Crimea and the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov as a top priority. At that time, Russia did not have access to the southern seas, which complicated trade and left borders in danger. Therefore, in 1695, a campaign against Azov began. It was more of a reconnaissance mission. And in the winter of the same year, the preparation of the army began. The flotilla was built. And already in the spring of that year the fortress wastaken under siege. The besieged Turks were frightened by the armada they saw and surrendered the fortress.
This victory allowed the construction of port cities to begin. But Peter's gaze was still directed to the Crimea and the Black Sea. It was not possible to break through to him through the Kerch Strait. This was followed by another war with Turkey and its vassal, the Crimean Khanate.
Advance north
The 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, a campaign against Sweden began. But near Narva, the Russian army under the command of the Saxon field marshal was defeated.
Nevertheless, a year later, a new campaign began, led by the great king himself. Within a few days the Nyenschantz fortress was taken. After the capture of the entire north, the city of St. Petersburg was founded. The land and sea borders of Russia moved north. Access to the B altic allowed to expand its influence on the sea. Karelia was annexed.
In response to the defeat, Charlemagne launched an overland campaign against Russia. He advanced inland, exhausting his troops. As a result, on July 8, 1709, the twenty-thousandth army of the Swedes was defeated near Poltava. After that, in a short time, Russian troops launched an offensive against Pomerania.
Sweden has lost all its continental lands, and Russia has established itself as one of the leading military and political forces in Europe.
West expansion
AfterThis 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 influence on the lands enslaved by the Turks, the Russian troops were preparing uprisings.
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. The expansion of the Russian Empire to the west continued for several more centuries, as a result of which the kings of Poland, the B altic states and Finland swore allegiance to the Russian Tsar.
