The reasons for the elimination of Zaporizhzhya Sich

Abstract

In this article the author makes an attempt to analyse the reasons for the elimination of Zaporizhzhya Sich in the whole diversity and relationships, and also try to show the dynamics of their maturation for the duration of the last Zaporozhye Kosh. The author indicates that the aggravation of contradictions between the official St. Petersburg and Zaporozhye Cossacks began virtually immediately after their return in 1733 in citizenship of Russia and grounds of the New Sich A new Sich became irritant to the Russian throne, also because she saved the self-government of Cossacks. In 1764 the Institute of Hetman was abolished, then the only edge in Ukraine, where even acted troop and administrative – territorial self-government, was Zaporozhye. The relationship between the New Sich and St. Petersburg became particularly acute after the formation of Ekaterinoslav province. Russian - Turkish war of 1768-1774 became fateful years for the New Sich. After its completion and conclusion of Kyuchuk– Kaynardzhiysky treaty the borders of Russia has moved far to the South of Zaporozhye. New Sich has turned into the interior of the empire and lost its significance as an important outpost to protect the southern borders of the Russian Empire from the Turkish-Tatar aggression. According to the author, the main reason for the elimination of Zaporizhzhya Sich was that it, as a kind of enclave inside the country, has become totally incompatible with the absolute monarchy, which was established in Russia, as well as with the ongoing Russian autocrats administrative and territorial reforms aimed to centralize Empire.