When did Britain and Russia establish spheres of influence in Persia? This question has been asked many times in the minds of historians. Spheres of influence are political and military alliances. In fact, when did Britain and Russia first establish political and military alliances?
When did Britain and Russia first establish political and military alliances in Persia?
Was it during the World War II when both of them were heavily involved in that war? The only known historical accounts regarding these two events are the Potsdam Declaration and the Moscow Protocol. The Potsdam Declaration refers to the arrangements for a mutual defense pact. It was signed by both of the two western countries, Britain and Russia, while the Moscow Protocol refers to the arrangements for a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
Why is it important to understand the roots of political and military alliances when talking about ancient history?
Most importantly, it is important to understand where these alliances came from and how they developed. The origins of the political spheres of influence can be traced back to the seventh century BC in what is now known as Persia (modern day Iraq). This period was crucial in the development of modern political systems. Therefore, understanding when did Russia and Britain to establish spheres of influence in Persia?
First, let us look at the reasons why western countries became involved in Afghanistan and Iran. At the time of Alexander the Great’s invasion of Persia (modern day Iraq), there were already several smaller countries that had allied themselves with the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans against the Persian Empire. This created a situation where the Persian Empire was divided into four areas: Dashang, Anahid, Media, and the Fertile Crescent. In order to maintain their grip on power, the Persians controlled each of these areas through different forms of governance. Iran and Afghanistan were the bread-and-butter for all these disparate groups due to their strategic location, resources, and population centers.
Secondly, we need to examine how these spheres of influence worked. In order for an alliance to be successful, both sides needed to have something significant enough to gain from the association. As it was, the major resources that Russia and Britain had been not immediately useful to them. Therefore, their ability to influence the direction of these countries was limited.
The British were able to gain much more from their association with Persia because of the strategic location of Afghanistan.
Afghanistan was crucial to both Russia and Britain in their efforts to control India. After the capture of Dakhla by the Russians in 1838, Russia’s army quickly advanced towards Delhi, which was crucial to both economies. In order to take Delhi, Britain had to defeat the Russian army on the battlefields of Mysore, and then occupy the city by force. From there, the British were able to supply the Indian Army with arms, men, and money. Additionally, they allowed the Russians to establish a military presence in India in the hope that it would help bolster their economy.
Finally, it is important to realize that the spheres of influence established by both Russia and Britain in Iran and Afghanistan were designed as ways to provide either country with support if necessary during war. Therefore, while Russia and Britain were helping each other to win a war in Afghanistan and Iran, they were also providing financial and political support to the fledgling Islamic Republic. Therefore, when did Russia and Britain to establish spheres of influence in Persia? It seems obvious that the answer to that question should be obvious.
Whether or not Russia and Britain were trying to create an Islamic world empire or they were simply trying to support one in its infancy, one thing is clear: Both countries worked very hard to establish spheres of influence in the Middle East. Both Russia and Britain have a long and successful history of working alongside one another to help forge peace in the Middle East. So, when did Russia and Britain to establish spheres of influence in Persia?