In the XVI-XIX centuries, a series of armed conflicts took place between Turkey, the then Ottoman Empire, and Russia. The last of them was the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. Its results remained unchanged until the outbreak of World War I, when Turkey and Russia again became adversaries.
Instruction manual
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The Russian Empire, the allied Balkan states and the Ottoman Empire as their adversary took part in the war. The result of their confrontation was the San Stefano Peace Treaty, signed on February 19, 1878. According to its conditions, independence was gained by a number of Balkan states - Serbia, Romania and Montenegro. Other territories - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria - received wide autonomy. Reforms were also planned in the administration of Albania and Armenia, giving local peoples more rights. In addition, Russia received territorial acquisitions in the form of several cities - Batum, Kars and others - and the territories adjacent to them. Turkey also had to pay a significant indemnity - more than 300 million rubles. In those days, it was a huge amount, even for the whole state.
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However, these conditions did not suit some other countries. In particular, the British Empire and Austria-Hungary were unhappy with the expansion of Russia's influence in the Balkans. Turkey was no longer perceived as a serious adversary due to the long internal crisis. And the Russian Empire with its victory strengthened its position due to the independence of the Balkan states, striving to pursue a policy pleasing to it.
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As a result, Russia found itself in a situation of potential involvement in a new war. This could prevent German mediation. From June 1 to July 1, the Berlin Congress was held with the participation of European powers, as a result of which a new, Berlin treatise was signed. He reduced the benefits received by Russia as a result of the war. Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as part of Bulgaria, went to Austria-Hungary, which strengthened its influence in the region. The British strengthened control of the island of Crete. Nevertheless, the main objective of the war - the independence of the Balkans from the Turks - was achieved at least partially.
