The Turkish Empire, Its Growth and DecayEversley, G. Shaw-Lefevre (George Shaw-Lefevre), Baron
History
The Turkish Empire, Its Growth and Decay
Eversley, G. Shaw-Lefevre (George Shaw-Lefevre), Baron
Turkey -- History
In compliance with the treaty of Tilsit, Russia suspended hostilities
with the Porte. But the Russian army remained in occupation of
Wallachia and Moldavia, and showed no intention to evacuate them. War
was renewed in 1809. Prince Bagration, at the head of a Russian army,
crossed the Danube and captured several Turkish fortresses on its
right bank. In the following year, 1810, the Russians captured the
important stronghold Silistria, but failed with very heavy loss in an
assault on Rustchuck. Later in the year they inflicted a severe defeat
on the army of the Grand Vizier at Baltin. They then succeeded in a
second attack on Rustchuck, and captured Sistova. But they failed to
take the fortified camp at Schumla, and were unable therefore to cross
the Balkan range.
In 1811 war was again imminent between Russia and France, and the
Russian generals on the Danube received orders to stand on the
defensive. The Turks took advantage of this, and sent a large army
across the Danube. It was eventually defeated and compelled to
surrender. In spite of their successes, the Russians were willing to
come to terms. They had hitherto insisted on the retention of Wallachia
and Moldavia. They were now ready to make concessions. The invasion
of Russia by Napoleon was imminent. It was necessary for the Czar to
concentrate all his forces in defence of his own Empire. Negotiations
were commenced in 1811, and they resulted in the treaty of Bucharest
of May 28, 1812. It was agreed that the River Pruth was to be the new
boundary between the two Empires. The whole of Wallachia and a great
part of Moldavia were restored to Turkey. Bessarabia and a part of
Moldavia were ceded to Russia.
The treatment of Serbia in the treaty was ungenerous on the part of
Russia. An amnesty was to be granted to its people. They were to be
secured in future the regulation of their internal affairs. But the
supremacy of the Sultan was to be maintained, and Belgrade and other
fortresses which had been captured by the Serbians were again to be
garrisoned by Turkish troops. This last was the cause of great troubles
in the future. But for the impending invasion of Russia by Napoleon the
terms would undoubtedly have been far less favourable to the Porte.
XIX
MAHMOUD II
1808-39
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