Approach to the Second Afghan War: Central Asia during the Great Eastern Crisis, 1875–1878

Abstract

into Central Asia had been dramatic throughout the 1 860s. l The Khanate of Khiva had been brought under Russian control as late as 1873 and, despite repeated assurances from the Imperial Chancellory at St Petersburg of Russia's pacific intentions, it was by no means clear when, or if, the process of assimilation would stop. The British government was in a weak position to oppose the advance. Representations were made to St Petersburg at each new annexation or troop movement, but with little expectation of success. The Marquess of Salisbury, as Secretary of State for India, was only too aware of the situation when he wrote to the Viceroy in June 1877 that, in the past, diplomatic remonstrance had proved to be 'almost worthless.'