After the Crimean War, Tsarist Russia found itself in trouble in Europe, and Western power curbed its westward expansion.
However, Tsarist Russia's greedy eyes turned to the east and began a long journey of eastward expansion. This journey began with the fall of the Kazan Khanate and the Astrakhan Khanate, and gradually advanced into the Volga River valley and the vast lands west of the Ob River. At the end of the 17th century, the Treaty of Nebuchu proclaimed Tsarist Russia in the easternmost part of eastern Asia, however, the rise of the Qing Dynasty brought new challenges.
However, this did not stop Tsarist Russia from following its footsteps in Central Asia, conquering the Kokand Khanate and the Bukhara Khanate, and successfully expanding into the Central Asian steppes. In 1865, the Russian army achieved a great victory in Central Asia, strengthening its geopolitical position in the region. Tsarist Russia was adept at provoking the khanates of Central Asia to fight, and it was clever enough to strengthen its influence.
In 1872, the Russian army occupied the Khiva Khanate and brutally ruled Central Asia, establishing a solid foundation for its presence in the region. However, Britain was uneasy about Tsarist Russia's expansion in Central Asia, fearing that it could threaten its sphere of influence in India. To avoid conflict, Tsarist Russia announced a halt to its southward advance in 1873 and adjusted its strategic plan. This was not a substantial stagnation, but a diplomatic maneuver that allowed Tsarist Russia to maintain relative stability in Central Asia and reached an agreement with Britain to maintain the geopolitical balance.
However, Tsarist Russia's expansion in Central Asia was not without its challenges, and its brutal methods provoked local revolts and national uprisings. Cultural, religious, and historical differences also posed major challenges to Tsarist Russia's rule. This history shows that power rule is difficult to last, and the geopolitical game is complex and changeable.