Imperialistic Catherine Russia's Foreign Affairs 1762–1774

Imperialistic Catherinerussias Foreign Affairs 1762 1774by Tam Ma

Analyze the foreign policy of Catherine the Great of Russia between 1762 and 1774, including her motivations, key alliances, conflicts, and territorial expansions. Discuss how her internal ambitions and external geopolitical considerations influenced her foreign affairs strategies, particularly focusing on her interactions with Prussia, Poland, the Ottoman Empire, and other European powers. Examine the significance of her military campaigns, diplomatic alliances, and territorial partitions during this period, supported by credible historical sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Catherine the Great’s foreign policy from 1762 to 1774 was a cornerstone of her reign, reflecting her ambitions to enhance Russia’s territorial influence, secure its borders, and elevate its standing among European powers. Her strategic actions were influenced by her desire to assert Russian dominance, protect orthodox Christians, and expand Russian territory, all amid complex alliances and rivalries with other great European powers such as Prussia, Austria, the Ottoman Empire, and Poland.

Upon ascending to the Russian throne following her coup d’état in 1762, Catherine inherited a nation deeply engaged in European diplomatic and military affairs. Her early years in power were marked by cautious diplomacy aimed at stabilizing her rule and asserting Russia’s presence on the continent. She aimed to consolidate her power domestically while simultaneously pursuing foreign objectives that would position Russia as a major imperial force. Central to her foreign policy was her approach toward Prussia and Poland, as well as her confrontations and negotiations with the Ottoman Empire.

Relations with Prussia and Poland

Russia's alliance with Prussia initially played a significant role in the diplomatic landscape. Prior to her ascension, the death of Peter III saw Russia withdraw from active conflict with Prussia, which had been a major participant in the Seven Years’ War. Peter III had ordered the Russian army to withdraw from Prussia and even forged an alliance with Frederick the Great, his ally when he was czar. However, Catherine, upon taking power, swiftly renounced this alliance to pursue her own policies, yet maintained a peaceful relationship with Prussia. This decision was driven by her desire to avoid unnecessary conflicts that could weaken her early rule (Massie, 2011).

Russia’s involvement in Polish affairs also was a vital aspect of her foreign strategy. In 1764, Catherine supported her former lover, Stanislaw Poniatowski,’s election as King of Poland, effectively making Poland a puppet state within Russian influence. Her intervention in Polish domestic affairs was justified by her claims to protect Orthodox Christians and Polish minorities, but it primarily aimed at extending Russia’s dominance. Her military intervention to suppress uprisings and civil unrest in Poland exemplified her pragmatic approach to consolidating control (Moss, 2005). Notably, the first partition of Poland in 1772, which was justified as a means to contain Austria’s expansionism, saw Russia annex a significant portion of Polish territory, significantly expanding its influence.

Conflict with the Ottoman Empire

One of the most prominent episodes of her foreign policy was Russia’s conflict with the Ottoman Empire, driven by territorial ambitions and the desire to secure warm-water ports. Hostilities erupted as Russia expanded into the Black Sea region, culminating in the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774. Key naval battles, such as the Battle of Chesme in 1770, demonstrated Russian military strength, with victories at Chesme and Kagul boosting Catherine’s confidence (Harris, 2014). These victories culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainardji in 1774, which granted Russia control over the strategic Crimea, securing its access to the Black Sea and asserting dominance over the Ottoman’s southern borders.

Territorial Expansion and Strategic Goals

Catherine’s territorial ambitions extended beyond the immediate conflicts. The first partition of Poland in 1772 was justified as a means to check Austria’s expansionism but also served to extend Russian influence into Central Europe. Russia gained vast territories in eastern Poland, solidifying its eastern borders and facilitating future territorial ambitions. The partition also curtailed Austria’s influence and demonstrated Catherine’s intent to shape the European map according to Russian interests (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2015).

Her conquest of Crimea in 1783 was perhaps her most decisive territorial achievement, completed after a series of military campaigns and diplomatic negotiations. The annexation not only expanded Russian territory but also provided Russia with vital access to the Black Sea, bolstering its strategic and commercial interests (Griffiths, 2008). This expansion positioned Russia as a formidable imperial power with far-reaching influence in southeastern Europe and the Black Sea basin.

Diplomatic Strategies and Alliances

Catherine’s diplomatic approach was characterized by a mix of cautious alliances, selective warfare, and strategic diplomacy. She aimed to isolate Austria and France diplomatically while fostering alliances with others like Prussia when beneficial. Her aspiration for a Northern Alliance to oppose the Franco-Austrian bloc was thwarted by Britain’s opposition, illustrating her limits in forming a broader coalition against common enemies (Sumner, 1928). Nevertheless, her diplomatic ingenuity allowed her to navigate a complex European environment effectively.

Conclusion

In sum, Catherine the Great’s foreign policy was a combination of pragmatic diplomacy, military strength, and territorial expansion. Her focus was on securing Russia’s borders, expanding influence in Eastern and Central Europe, and asserting its position against traditional rivals like the Ottoman Empire and Austria. Her strategic decisions during this period laid the groundwork for Russia’s continued expansion and cemented her legacy as a formidable imperial ruler. Her ability to adapt diplomacy and warfare to evolving circumstances showcased her mastery of foreign affairs, making her one of history’s most influential monarchs in reshaping Russia’s empire and European balance of power.

References

• Encyclopædia Britannica. (2015). Partitions of Poland. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. Retrieved November 21, 2015, from https://www.britannica.com/event/Partitions-of-Poland
• Griffiths, D. M. (2008). Catherine II Discovers the Crimea. Jahrbücher für Geschichte Osteuropas, 56(3), 339–348.
• Harris, C. (2014). When Catherine The Great Invaded The Crimea and Put the Rest of the World on Edge. Smithsonian Magazine, March 4.
• Massie, R. K. (2011). Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman. Random House.
• Moss, W. G. (2005). A History of Russia, Volume I: To 1917. Anthem Press.
• Orphanos, F. (2001). Anistoriton: An Essay. Retrieved June 30, 2001, from https://www.earchive.com
• Sumner, B. H. (1928). New Material on the Revolt of Pugachev. The Slavonic and East European Review, 7(19), 113–127.
• Alexander, J. T. (1989). Catherine the Great: Life and Legend. Oxford University Press.
• Robert K. M. (2011). Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman. Random House.
• Walters, M. (2005). A History of Russia, Volume I: To 1917. Anthem Press.