Summary
Highlights
As Napoleon prepared for his Russian campaign, eyeing a two-pronged attack with the Ottoman Empire from the south, Russia faced a critical challenge. Emperor Alexander I knew he had to secure victory against Turkey before confronting the French. This wasn't merely another conflict with the Ottomans; its outcome would be pivotal for Russia's survival amidst increasing European tensions.
Amidst this brewing conflict, a young officer, Ivan Paskevich, found himself serving in a remote Belarusian province. His prospects seemed dim until Major General Michelson was appointed commander of the Southern Army, reigniting Paskevich’s hopes for a distinguished military career. The war with Turkey, inevitable since Russia's 1805 defeat at Austerlitz against Napoleon, was fueled by Ottoman hostility and diplomatic pressure from France.
In response to Turkish provocations, including the removal of pro-Russian governors in the Danubian Principalities, Alexander I ordered Michelson's army to occupy these regions. This move, initially not a declaration of war, quickly secured key fortresses like Khotyn, Akkerman, and Bendery through a combination of military presence and clever deception. Despite diplomatic attempts, France successfully instigated Turkey into declaring war on Russia on December 18, 1806, forcing a shift from defensive tactics.
A planned joint Anglo-Russian naval assault on Constantinople required Michelson's army to draw away Turkish ground forces. During the advance on Giurgiu, Ivan Paskevich distinguished himself by single-handedly scouting a path for his unit. In the ensuing battle, he displayed great courage, contributing to a Russian victory and earning the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class, despite Giurgiu remaining untaken.
The British fleet, under Vice-Admiral John Duckworth, attacked the Dardanelles prematurely, failing to secure Constantinople. Admiral Dmitry Senyavin's Russian squadron, arriving later, successfully blockaded the Dardanelles. Sultan Selim III, facing internal unrest and a blockade, was overthrown by Janissaries in May 1807, replaced by Mustafa IV, complicating peace efforts and prolonging the war.
General Miloradovich's forces decisively defeated a Turkish advance near Obilești, saving Bucharest for the third time and earning him national acclaim. However, despite these land victories and Senyavin's naval success at Athos, a major setback occurred with the Treaty of Tilsit in July 1807. Alexander I, now allied with Napoleon, briefly halted military operations against Turkey and was forced to withdraw troops from the Danubian Principalities, a decision later reversed.
After the failure of the Slobodzeia Armistice and ongoing instability in the Ottoman Empire, the conflict reignited. Field Marshal Prozorovsky, at 75, took command. Ivan Paskevich, now a Captain, was sent to Constantinople with an ultimatum demanding significant territorial concessions from Turkey. When these demands were rejected, the war resumed with renewed intensity.
Prozorovsky besieged Braila, but the assault failed, leading to heavy Russian casualties. General Mikhail Kutuzov, who had advised caution, was frustrated by Prozorovsky's tactics and was subsequently removed from the army. Despite suffering a head wound at Braila, Paskevich was promoted to Colonel, but the Russian army continued to face difficulties.
Commander Peter Bagration revitalized the army, capturing several Turkish fortresses and winning a significant victory at Rossavat. However, his siege of Silistria stalled, and a subsequent engagement at Tataryts with overwhelming Turkish forces, where Paskevich's regiment was encircled, led to a tactical retreat. This led to Bagration's resignation, due to disagreements with the Emperor over strategy.
General Nikolai Kamensky, a celebrated veteran, took command with aggressive orders to end the war swiftly. He achieved rapid successes, capturing Turtukai, Razgrad, and Silistria. However, an ill-fated assault on Shumen resulted in heavy losses. Undeterred, Kamensky then led his forces to a decisive victory against the main Turkish army at Batin, significantly weakening Ottoman resistance. Paskevich, promoted to Major General, was instrumental in this victory.
After Kamensky's illness and death, Mikhail Kutuzov returned as Commander-in-Chief. Facing limited resources, he adopted an ingenious strategy. He feigned withdrawal from Ruse, drawing Ahmed Pasha's forces across the Danube. Once the Turkish army committed to the left bank, Kutuzov's forces attacked their remaining position on the right bank, capturing their artillery and encircling the main Turkish army, which soon succumbed to starvation.
Kutuzov's strategic brilliance forced the Turks to the negotiating table. On May 28, 1812, Russia and the Ottoman Empire signed the Treaty of Bucharest. Russia gained Bessarabia but returned some territories, while Turkey guaranteed autonomy for Serbia. Crucially, this treaty was ratified just days before Napoleon's invasion, allowing Russia to focus entirely on the French threat without a southern distraction. This strategic victory, meticulously orchestrated by Kutuzov, proved vital for Russia's defense against Napoleon, with figures like Paskevich later playing key roles in the 1812 war.