Motivation for Russian Geographic Expansion in the 18th Century

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Conclusion
Bibliography

Introduction

According to the 1897 census, it was established that Russia had the third-largest world population highlighting a wide range of economic, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity. It is the largest country globally, which occupies 17 square kilometers. The size and expansion of the nation can be accrued to various events, such as wars in the 18th century. Russia is located on two continents, that is, Northern Asia and Eastern Europe. The region holds more than an eighth of the worlds total land coverage. There are various theories and historical arguments that try to account for the growth and expansion of the region. However, a modernized economy and a strong and well-equipped army during the expansion period in the 18th century are the primary reasons for Russias expansion.

Main body

Numerous wars were fought by various Russian rulers, including Emperor Peter I, who grew an already massive empire into a major European power. Additionally, the golden age presided by Empress Catherine the great oversaw state expansion via conquest, colonization, and diplomacy. Further expansion of Russia to the south, east, and west placed it as one of the most powerful European empires of the time.

There exist different views as to what motivated the Russian geographical expansion. This has led to the question of how historians argued the motivation leading to Russian geographical expansion in the 18th century. Historians have argued that the motivations leading to the expansion included the need to mobilize and access new and prime lands and resources, the acquired literacy level of the Russians as compared to their conquest, the need to carry out trade, and the urge to achieve military domination.

Access to the Black Sea as well as the Baltic Sea, which was blocked by Swedish provinces, led Emperor Peter into an alliance with Denmark and Norway in an attempt to invade Sweden. As soon as Sweden turned their attention to Poland, Peter seized the opportunity to conquer Swedish provinces gaining the much-wanted access to the river Neva. A new fortress was constructed at the mouth of river Neva, and the great city of St Petersburg was founded, where noble families relocated and built palaces. Due to its prime location, St Petersburg was considered an opening window to Europe. Access to the prime Swedish provinces enabled Russia to greatly expand its land.

Additionally, the modernization and westernization of Russia by Peter the Great gave Russians a great advantage in wars over their conquests. This oversaw the restructuring of the recruitment system and the creation of a military fleet, which led to various reforms to supplying the army and navy. Education reforms were implemented to teach Russians the necessary skills in mathematics, science, and navigation, as well as large-scale construction projects. Russians were in possession of strong military personnel and an upper hand in literacy as compared to their conquest. Some historians believed that this accorded an upper hand to Russia in the wars that led to the geographical expansion.

Consequently, historians have it that the need to carry out trades by Russia necessitated the expansion. Russian new economic opportunities were associated with trade contacts and new trade agreements. They resulted in the development of new diplomatic and cultural relations, as well as a tremendous interest in geographic discovery voyages during a given period. One of the trades that was undertaken included the Hindu merchants visiting Central Asian centers.

They also visited new Russian towns established along Russias expanding border of influence. The construction of the Ladoga canal in Russia that facilitated market integration was a result of the Great Northern War victory and the successful removal of forces occupying the Swedish front. The need to partake in trade was a great incentive as it led to great land discoveries leading to the ultimate expansion.

Finally, its need to acquire military domination by Russia over its western enemies proved to be a great incentive that led to its expansion. According to historians views, as Russia emerged victoriously in many wars, it prided itself on dismantling large troops of armies. Due to its strong, knowledgeable forces, a good read on the map of the land, and its strategic alliances, the ability to destabilize various militaries were simple. Concurrently this enabled Russia to gain military superiority over its opponents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Russia was established as the largest country globally, having the third highest population. Thus, the region accumulates a wide range of diversity, including ethnic, religious, linguistic, and economical. The region underwent several events that resulted in its geographical expansion in the 18th century. Various historians had different arguments as to the Russian motivation for geographical expansion.

Needing access to the Baltic Sea was a great incentive for conquering the Swedish province and acquiring the prime land. Nevertheless, the need to trade necessitated the discovery of new geographical spaces and the development of cultural and diplomatic relations. Additionally, other historical researchers posit that the Russian attempt to modernize and westernize led to the creation of a strong military and reforms in education, giving it a greater advantage in wars over its enemies. Some historians say that the Russians need to assert military dominance over their opponent may have led to the great geographical expansion.

Bibliography

Kemp, P. M. Early Contacts between India and Russia. In The Russian Revolution and India, pp. 152-173. Routledge, 2020. (pp. 152-173). Web.

Korchmina, Elena S., and Paul Sharp. Denmark and Russia: What can we learn from the historical comparison of two great Arctic agricultural empires? Russian Journal of Economics 7 (2020): 105. Web.

Rajesh, V. The Russian Revolution and India. (2020). Web.

Pavlova, Olga, and Anna Ryabova. Geography of Russias Foreign Trade in the 18th and Early 19th Centuries. In Proceedings of Topical Issues in International Political Geography, pp. 44-57. Springer, Cham, 2021.

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Motivation for Russian Geographic Expansion in the 18th Century

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