Russian Influence In Georgia

The history of Georgia during the Early Modern Period is deeply intertwined with the influence of Russia, reflecting a complex narrative of geopolitical maneuvering, cultural shifts, and socio-economic transformations. This article delves into the intricacies of Russian influence in Georgia, exploring key events, treaties, and societal changes from the 15th century through the 19th century, focusing on how these developments shaped the course of Georgian history.

By the 15th century, the once-unified Christian Kingdom of Georgia had fragmented into smaller states, becoming a battleground for the Ottoman and Persian empires. This division left Georgia vulnerable, setting the stage for Russian influence to grow in the region. The shared Orthodox Christian faith between Georgia and Russia laid a foundation for early diplomatic contacts, particularly with the Georgian Kingdom of Kakheti. Despite initial Russian reluctance to intervene significantly due to their distance and limited power in the South Caucasus, by the early 18th century, Russia began making more assertive military incursions into the region, exploiting the chaos within the Safavid Persian Empire​​.

A pivotal moment came in 1783 when Heraclius II of Kartli-Kakheti signed the Treaty of Georgievsk with Russia. This treaty made Kartli-Kakheti a Russian protectorate, ostensibly providing security against Ottoman and Persian aggression. However, Russia’s failure to uphold its protective obligations during subsequent conflicts, notably the Russo-Turkish War of 1787, led to Persian incursions and the catastrophic sacking of Tbilisi in 1795. Despite these setbacks, Georgian rulers continued to see alignment with Russia as their best option for survival​​.

The early 19th century marked a significant shift with the formal annexation of Georgian territories by Russia. Following internal succession disputes in Kartli-Kakheti after Heraclius II's death, Russia abolished the local monarchy and incorporated the kingdom into the Russian Empire in 1801, a move that was formalized by Tsar Alexander I in 1801. This incorporation marked a significant escalation of Russian control over Georgian territories​​.

Georgia's strategic location made it a valuable asset for Russian expansionist policies. The early 19th century saw a series of conflicts, including the Russo-Persian War (1804–1813) and the Russo-Turkish War (1806–1812), which ended with Russia solidifying its control over Georgian territories. Russian victories in these wars were acknowledged in various peace treaties, and further territories were gradually integrated into the Russian Empire​​.

Russian rule brought significant social and economic changes to Georgia. The late 19th century saw the emergence of new social classes, partly due to the emancipation of serfs in 1861 by Tsar Alexander II. This emancipation, however, did not immediately alleviate the poverty of many Georgians, as former serfs still faced economic dependence on their former lords. This period also saw the growth of an urban working class, leading to increasing discontent and the rise of political movements, including socialism​​.

Throughout the Russian Imperial period, efforts were made to integrate Georgian society into the wider Russian Empire. This integration was not always smooth, with initial Russian governance often being high-handed and insensitive to local customs and laws. The abolition of the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church in 1811 and its incorporation into the Russian Church hierarchy is one example of such insensitivity. These actions, among others, contributed to growing unrest and resistance within Georgian society​​.

During the reign of Nicholas II, Russian authorities encouraged the migration of various religious minorities, including Molokans and Doukhobors, into Transcaucasia, including Georgia. This policy aimed to both isolate dissenters and strengthen the Russian presence in the region. The settlement of other Christian communities in Georgia during the 19th century, particularly Armenians and Caucasus Greeks, further altered the region's demographic landscape​​.

In conclusion, Russian influence in Georgia during the Early Modern Period was characterized by a complex interplay of military, political, and cultural factors. This period saw Georgia transition from a fragmented set of principalities to an integrated part of the Russian Empire, experiencing profound changes in its social fabric, economy, and governance. The legacy of this era continues to shape the modern state of Georgia, reflecting a historical trajectory marked by external influence and internal adaptation.