Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca and the Results of the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 in Russian Historiography
Abstract
The article analyzes the viewpoint of domestic historians on the “pluses” and “minuses” of the Küçük Kaynarca peace treaty of 1774, which consolidated the place and role of Russia in the Black Sea, eliminated the dependence of Crimea on Turkey and created conditions for the transition of the peninsula under the rule of the Russian Empire. Since even today the main provisions of the Küçük Kaynarca peace remain a subject of discussion, it is important to take into account, compare and summarize the opinions of domestic researchers to obtain an objective picture of the course and consequences of peace negotiations in 1774. The work also explains the factors that influenced the authors' positions regarding the assessments of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca and its consequences, as well as the contribution of this or that statesman, diplomat or military leader to the issue of concluding a peace treaty and ending the war between Turkey and Russia. The article compares the views of Russian historians on such issues as the importance for Russia of annexing the Crimean Peninsula, strengthening its position in the northern Black Sea region and freedom of movement in the Black Sea. An analysis of the works of Russian researchers allows the author of the article to show how assessments in historical science regarding the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca changed throughout the entire period of its study, and which remained unchanged.