The historical fate of Crimea was determined during the military confrontation between Russia and Turkey. The Turkish Empire, which at one time firmly established itself on the peninsula, made efforts to secure its possessions in the Northern Black Sea region from Russia, which, in turn, sought to gain convenient access to the Black Sea and make Crimea its property.
Fight for the peninsula
Military conflicts have arisen between Russia and Turkey more than once. In 1768, Turkey unleashed another war, taking advantage of a favorable situation for itself. However, circumstances were on the side of the Russian army, which achieved impressive successes both on land and at sea.
The Turks suffered one major defeat after another, but still did not stop trying to regain their lost lands.
In June 1771, Russian troops inflicted a crushing defeat on Turkish units and broke into the Crimea. The forces of both sides were pretty much undermined by a long confrontation, after which Turkey offered to conclude a temporary truce. In fact, Turkish diplomats hoped to drag out the negotiations and gain time to regroup their forces and assets.
The Russian side, however, wasted no time in undertaking diplomatic efforts in its own interests. In November 1772, Russia entered into an agreement with the Crimean Khan. In accordance with this treaty, Crimea was declared completely independent from Turkish rule and passed under the patronage of its powerful northern neighbor - Russia.
When hostilities resumed, the Russian formations took the initiative into their own hands and inflicted several sensitive defeats on Turkey. The result of the confrontation was the Kuchuk-Kaynardzhi treaty of 1774, according to which Russia received two Crimean cities in the possession of Kerch and Yenikale. In fact, this meant direct access to the sea for Russia.
The annexation of Crimea is a diplomatic victory for Russia
In general, the orders, traditions and customs in the Crimea remained the same, but the situation on the peninsula over time became more and more tense. The policy of Khan Shagin-Girey ultimately turned the entire population of Crimea against him. The khan was forced to abdicate and asked for protection from Russia. There were no other applicants for his place.
Political chaos intensified, and the economy of the once flourishing region fell into decay.
Against this background, the Russian Empress Catherine II signed a document of historical significance. It was a manifesto on the annexation of Taman, Crimea and the territory of the Kuban to the Russian state. It happened on April 8 (19), 1783. This document was subsequently not officially challenged by any of the states. Even Turkey agreed with this decision of its longtime adversary. Thus, Russia won an important military and diplomatic victory that influenced the historical development of Crimea and its future fate.
