#3 THE BALTIC SEA POLICY OF PETER THE GREAT AND RUSSIA
Sümeyye KAÇAR*
The famous Russian Tsar Peter the Great, ruled as the Russian emperor from 1682 to 1725. His era marked a turning point for Russia in terms of various innovations, laying the foundations for modern Russia. Through his travels to Europe, he engaged in activities in maritime and carpentry fields. This journey he organized to modernize Russia and advance his country to European standards lasted for eighteen months. Known as "Peter the Great" by Europeans, Tsar Peter holds the title of being the first Russian ruler to organize a trip to Europe.
Seeking to align his country with European powers, Peter foresaw that becoming a maritime nation was crucial. In addition to this vision, Peter aimed to increase trade and military power, desiring control over the Baltic and Black Sea ports. Initially, he set his sights on the Azov Fortress belonging to the Ottoman Empire. The Azov Fortress was strategically positioned as a gateway to the Black Sea. Despite launching a raid on the Azov Fortress in 1695, Peter was unsuccessful. Recognizing the inadequacy of his navy as the reason for his failure, Peter ordered the construction of a large shipyard on the shores of the Don River and succeeded in capturing the fortress the following year. Understanding the importance of the navy after this victory, Peter disguised his identity and traveled to Europe in 1697, where he engaged in various military and naval activities.
Upon his return from Europe, the Tsar turned his attention to another target, the Baltic Sea. While aiming for the north, Peter also endeavored to maintain friendly relations with the Ottoman Empire in the south. In 1699, taking advantage of the ascension of the inexperienced and young XII. Charles to the Swedish throne, Russia declared war on Sweden, bringing Denmark and Poland-Lithuania to its side. Despite his goal of winning the war quickly to gain access to Europe and allowing time for preparations for the Black Sea, events did not unfold as Peter had hoped. However, the defeat of the Russian army by the Swedish army in 1700 did not deter Peter; in 1701, through foreign soldiers, Peter rebuilt his army. On the other hand, Sweden, eliminating Russia's two allies, seized control of Polish-Lithuanian territories in 1704 and advanced as far as Moscow. However, faced with fierce resistance from the Russians, the Swedes withdrew to Poltava. The Swedes, defending themselves at Poltava, suffered a heavy defeat (1709), and King Charles XII sought refuge in the Ottoman Empire.
The construction of ships and fortresses by Russia in the Azov and Taganrog ports caused concern for the Crimean Khanate and alerted the Ottoman Empire to the situation. The Sultan of the time, Mustafa II (1695-1703), sent a letter to the Tsar requesting him to stop these activities, stating that the construction of fortresses alarmed the local population. Later, Ahmed III (1703-1730), who ascended the throne, also addressed this issue in letters, but Russia continued its fortress and ship construction, claiming to be peace-loving. The defeat of the Swedish King at Poltava, seeking refuge in the Russian army and not being returned upon the request of the Ottoman Empire, led to a new tension. Russia, demanding his extradition from the Ottoman Empire and receiving a negative response, was one of the significant reasons for the Prut War (1710-1711).
Conclusion
Tsar Peter I took significant steps to develop and modernize his country like European powers. Initially, by organizing trips to Europe, he blended the knowledge and technology of that region with his own traditions. In order to develop his country, Tsar envisioned Russia as a maritime nation, making the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea his main targets, constructing navies and fortresses for this purpose. Before implementing his warm water policy, he aimed to remove the young and inexperienced enemy, the Swedish King, and formed an alliance with Poland-Lithuania and Denmark for this purpose. As a result, he eliminated the king, but when the king fled to the Ottoman Empire and was not returned, this situation led to a new Ottoman-Russia tension.
References
Mehmet Halil Leylak, 1.Petro Döneminde Rusya’da Yapılan Yenilikler, Yayımlanmamış Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Ankara 1990.
Sinan Yüksel, “Kuzey Savaşları Sırasında Rusya’nın Karadeniz’e Yönelik Faaliyetleri”, Tarih Araştırmaları Dergisi, Cilt: 31, s. 52, ss. 171-190.
* Undergraduate Student, Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, İnönü University, MALATYA