Russo- Turkish War

What date was the Russo- Turkish War?

1877-1878

Why was Russia involved?

Russia wants to create a ‘client’ state of Bulgaria, Turkish troops committed atrocities against Orthodox Christians- Russia wants to protect, Pan-Slav policy

What was Britain’s interest in the conflict?

Wanted to restrict Russian naval power and assert its authority over access to the Mediterranean, so supplied Turkish forces with weapons.

Name two key battles

Siege of Plevna- Russian forces held up, many die of disease/ cold

Stalemate at Kars- offensive in the Caucasus

Impacts of the war

Russians win but slow and costly against an inferior military power → weaknesses exposed

Sign peace treaty with Turkey creating a client state of Bulgaria

Collapse of the rouble- financial crisis

Berlin Conference

What and when was the Berlin Conference? Reception in Russia?

1878, allies force Russia to divide Bulgaria in two, losing coastline and access to the Mediterranean that was desired.

Nationalists saw this as loss of world status leading to unrest

How did the war lead to reforms? Limitations of reforms?

Financial crisis → influences AIII to begin large scale intervention in industry/ reform agriculture → Trans-Siberian railway, state investment in comms, Peasant land banks

Shows Russia needs to develop industrial base to expand territory in Far East/ Balkans

BUT: changes doesn’t begin until AIII as AII faces reaction against reform & is occupied with terror groups

No political protest- popular nature of war (protect Orthodox Cs) and use of repression by AIII