Having assumed the throne, Emperor Alexander II inherited the long-standing Caucasus War. After joining Russia Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia by the end of the first third of the 19th century. The North Caucasus has gradually become an undisturbed enclave within a vast empire. The inexorable logic of imperial politics, the rivalry with the Ottoman Empire and Great Britain required his submission. The Caucasus War (1817-1864) caused many casualties and casualties on both sides. Although it is undeniable that its inclusion in the Russian Empire accelerated the socio-economic and cultural development of the province.
Competing with Britain in the East, Russia was forced to expand its controlled territories in Central Asia. In addition, it should have protected the border lands from the robbing raids of the peoples living on the banks of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. Finally, economically, Central Asia benefited Russia as a commodity base and market for industrial products. In 1864, Russian troops launched a military campaign. During the fierce battles Samarkand (1868) and Hiva (1873) were attached to the Russian Empire. In 1876, the Kokand Khanate was included in Russia.
As a result of Russia 's victorious Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, Russia returned southern Bessarabia, joined Kars, Ardagan and Batum, and gained independence by Montenegro, Serbia, Romania and autonomy status - Bulgaria.
Alexander III international policy was targeted at preservation of peace for the sake of maintaining the up-country order and financial saving. Main directions were dissolution of the traditional alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary, concluding an alliance with republican France, activation of diplomatic efforts on the Far East and continuing of anti-Britain political course in Central Asia.
