The Russo–Turkish War, 1877–1878

Abstract

The Russo-Turkish War (the Second Eastern War) of 1877–1878 was an epoch-making event in Russian history. It led to the liberation of the Balkan peoples from the Ottoman yoke and to major paradigm shifts in the international arena. During that campaign, a rift emerged in Russia’s relations with Germany and Austria-Hungary, after which the negotiations of 1881 and 1884 to restore the League of the Three Emperors [Dreikaiserbund] and keep up its arrangements and the talks leading to the Reinsurance Treaty [Rückversicherungsvertrag] of 1887 resulted in only a temporary reconciliation between the erstwhile partners. The war had initiated a change in Russia’s foreign-policy priorities that was expressed in an escalating standoff with neighboring empires and a transition to strategic cooperation with France. It also brought about significant changes within Russia. The diplomatic defeat at the Congress of Berlin [held in June and July 1878.—Trans.] bred social disenchantment and remorse about the war’s heavy loss of life and huge material outlays. This fostered an oppositionist mentality in the populace at large and served to energize the liberal movement and amplify radical activity. The hardships of war led to an exacerbation of social tensions in town and countryside alike. Amid the growing sense of having nowhere to turn that was besetting the upper echelons, the need to continue and complete the Great Reforms