Page "History of Russia" Paragraph 85

In the late 1870s Russia and the Ottoman Empire again clashed in the Balkans.

The Russo-Turkish War was popular among Russians, who supported the independence of their fellow Orthodox Slavs, the Serbs and the Bulgarians.

However, the war increased tension with Austria-Hungary, which also had ambitions in the region.

During this period Russia expanded its empire into Central Asia, which was rich in raw materials, conquering the khanates of Kokand, Bokhara and Khiva, as well as the Trans-Caspian region.