The Struggle for the Pontic Steppe

This book examines the conflict between the Russian and Ottoman empires for control of the Pontic Steppe region during the second half of the 18th century. The Pontic Steppe stretches from the northern shores of the Black Sea to the northern area around the Caspian Sea. The Russo-Ottoman Wars of 1768-74 and 1787-92 were fought for control of this region, occasionally spilling over to the southern Caucasus, the Balkans and the Mediterranean. The conflict was driven by Catherine the Great's colonial policies, support for Orthodox Christians in Ottoman territories, and ambitions to secure access to warm-water ports. Her broader aims included her 'Greek Project', which envisaged the creation of new kingdoms in the Balkans. This conflict had far-reaching consequences for both empires and the broader European geopolitical landscape, which continue to this day. This study examines how the empires organised for war; the armies, navies and the commanders that led them. And the campaigns that included the largest battles fought in 18th-century Europe.