To what extent did the foreign policies of Russian rulers strengthen their country in the years 1725 to 1762?
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
Russia
👑Complete Model Essay
To what extent did the foreign policies of Russian rulers strengthen their country in the years 1725 to 1762?
To what extent did the foreign policies of Russian rulers strengthen their country in the years 1725 to 1762?
The extent to which Russian foreign policies strengthened the country between 1725 and 1762 is a complex issue with evidence to support arguments on both sides. While Russia experienced some notable military successes and increased its influence on the European stage, these gains came at a considerable social and economic cost, and ultimately proved difficult to sustain. Therefore, while Russia’s rulers certainly aspired to strengthen the country through their foreign policies, their successes were limited and ultimately outweighed by the internal strains they created.
Arguments for Strengthening
On the surface, Russia’s foreign policy under rulers like Peter the Great and Elizabeth Petrovna seemed to considerably strengthen the country. Military successes against Sweden in the Great Northern War (concluded 1721, but with lasting impact) secured Russian dominance of the Baltic and established the country as a major power in the region. Victories against the Ottoman Empire, such as the capture of Azov, further extended Russian territory and demonstrated the growing might of their military forces.
These military successes, coupled with a more active diplomatic presence, helped elevate Russia’s status in Europe. Russia became increasingly involved in the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterized European politics, playing a key role in events such as the War of the Polish Succession and the Seven Years’ War. This growing influence seemed to confirm Russia’s arrival as a major player on the European stage.
Challenges and Limitations
However, a closer look reveals the limitations of this apparent strengthening. Russia’s military expansion was not without its setbacks. The attempted conquest of Crimea in the 1730s ended in failure, demonstrating the limits of Russian power against a determined opponent. Similarly, the gains made by Peter the Great in Persia were subsequently lost, highlighting the fragility of some of Russia’s early territorial acquisitions.
Furthermore, the pursuit of foreign ambitions placed a significant social and economic burden on Russia. The constant wars and military buildup required enormous financial resources, leading to increased taxation and hardship for the peasantry. This period also saw the intensification of serfdom in Russia, as the government sought to maximize agricultural production and revenue, further exacerbating social divisions and hindering economic development.
The emphasis on foreign policy also had significant consequences for Russia’s internal stability. The reigns of Anna Ivanovna and Peter III were marked by an unpopular reliance on foreign advisors and a perceived subservience to foreign powers, generating resentment and instability. The frequent shifts in alliances and foreign policy direction underlined Russia’s vulnerability to external pressures and the lack of a coherent long-term strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the foreign policies pursued by Russian rulers between 1725 and 1762 appeared to strengthen the country by expanding its territory, enhancing its military reputation, and increasing its diplomatic influence, this progress came at a high cost. The immense financial burden of constant warfare, the intensification of social inequalities, and the internal instability generated by foreign entanglements ultimately limited the extent to which Russia was truly strengthened. While Russia’s rulers succeeded in putting the country on the map as a European power, they did so at the expense of long-term stability and sustainable internal development. The legacy of this period would be a complex mixture of external achievement and internal strain, setting the stage for the challenges and triumphs that would define Russia’s future.
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To What Extent Did the Foreign Policies of Russian Rulers Strengthen Their Country in the Years 1725 to 1762?
This essay will examine the extent to which the foreign policies of Russian rulers between 1725 and 1762 strengthened their country. It will argue that while some policies contributed to a stronger Russia, others ultimately hampered its progress, leaving the country's position as a great power ambiguous. The essay will analyze the successes and failures of Russian foreign policy by considering the impact on its borders, military power, diplomatic presence, and internal stability.
Arguments Supporting Strengthened Russia
Several arguments support the view that Russian foreign policy during this period strengthened the country. Firstly, Russia's territorial expansion and more secure borders contributed significantly to its growing stature. The successful conclusion of the Great Northern War (1700-1721) under Peter the Great secured control of the Baltic Sea, which was crucial for trade and naval power. While the wars with the Ottoman Empire were less conclusive, they still contributed to the gradual expansion of Russia's southern territories, ultimately securing control of the Black Sea.
Secondly, Russia's military power was undoubtedly strengthened by its victories during this period. The successes against Sweden, the Ottomans, and in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) demonstrated the capabilities of the Russian army and navy. The army expanded in size and underwent modernization under Peter the Great and his successors, becoming a significant force in European affairs.
Thirdly, Russia's diplomatic presence grew in this period. The involvement in the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1735) and the Seven Years' War highlighted Russia's growing involvement in European politics. Engaging in alliances with Great Britain, France, Prussia, and Austria allowed Russia to maintain a balance of power and influence on the European stage.
Arguments Challenging Strengthened Russia
However, it is equally important to consider the limitations and drawbacks of Russian foreign policy during this period. While Russia achieved military successes, it failed to decisively defeat the Ottoman Empire and expand its influence significantly in the Black Sea region. The Russian-Turkish wars of the 1730s, for instance, demonstrate that Russia's military might was not enough to guarantee consistent victories against a powerful Ottoman Empire. Furthermore, the loss of Persian territories after Peter the Great's death suggests a failure to maintain gains and consolidate power in the East.
Moreover, the significant financial burden of maintaining a large standing army and engaging in expensive wars had detrimental effects on Russia's internal stability. The 'dark era' under Empress Anna (1730-1740) saw an increase in serfdom and social unrest. These economic pressures ultimately limited Russia's ability to pursue ambitious foreign policy objectives.
Furthermore, the inconsistency in alliances and the frequent changes in foreign policy direction, particularly during the reign of Peter III (1761-1762), highlighted the instability of Russia's diplomatic position. Peter III's abrupt shift towards alliance with Prussia and his withdrawal from the Seven Years' War alienated Russia's allies and damaged its reputation as a reliable partner. The instability of alliances and the frequent change of foreign policy direction made it difficult for Russia to establish a clear and lasting position on the international stage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the foreign policies of Russian rulers between 1725 and 1762 strengthened the country in some respects, it is debatable whether they ultimately led to a robust and secure Russian position on the world stage. While Russia gained territory, strengthened its military, and increased its diplomatic presence, the internal costs of these achievements, the limitations of military success, and the instability of alliances ultimately hindered Russia's ability to solidify its position as a major European power.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Arguments Supporting the Strengthening of Russia (1725-1762)
Arguments supporting the view that the foreign policies of Russian rulers strengthened their country in the years 1725 to 1762 might include:
⭐Russia was strengthened by more secure Russian borders: success in war with Sweden; border skirmishes with Ottoman empire – Azov
⭐Russia’s position as a great north-eastern power was consolidated: dominance of the Baltic; influence over Poland and involvement in Polish succession
⭐Russia’s military power was strengthened: size and capabilities of navy/army; military successes against Sweden, against the Ottomans, in the Seven Years War, 1756–63
⭐Russia had a strengthened diplomatic presence: growing diplomatic involvement, ie maintaining the balance of power in Europe: relations with Great Britain, France, Prussia and Austria.
Arguments Challenging the Strengthening of Russia (1725-1762)
Arguments challenging the view that the foreign policy of Russian rulers strengthened their country in the years 1725 to 1762 might include:
⭐The limits of Russia as a great power: inconsistency in alliances; impact on relationships with other great powers; change of foreign policy direction, 1762
⭐The limits of military success: the failure to expand; the Russian-Turkish wars 1730s; the failure to maintain Peter’s gains, ie the loss of Persian territories
⭐The social and economic cost of foreign policy on Russia: the ‘dark era’ under Anna; financial pressures; strengthening of serfdom
⭐The impact of foreign policy on the power/authority of Russian leaders: loss of popularity of Tsars/ ministers; anti-German feeling under Anna/Peter III.
Defining “Strengthened”
Students will need to define what they mean by strengthened for Russia in this period. Some may see it as merely military strength and point to victories against Sweden and the strength of Russian forces demonstrated in the Seven Years War. Equally, students may see the failures in the Crimea as evidence that Russia was not strong enough to threaten the Ottoman Empire. Others may argue that the growing Russian involvement in European diplomatic affairs and evidence of Russia’s strength as a Great European power whilst others might see the instability of alliances and recognise that Russia was still relatively less important than other states.