Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca

July 21, 1774

Russia imposed harsh terms on the Ottoman Empire: the Crimean Khanate became 'independent' (to be annexed nine years later), Russia claimed protection over Orthodox Christians in Ottoman lands, and Russian merchant ships could sail freely through the Straits. It was the first great legal step in the Eastern Question. The clause on Orthodox protection would be invoked by Russia for decades as a pretext for intervention in Ottoman affairs.