Russia's time in the sun?

[CBR]

Russia's performance in the SYW was a bit lackluster. The generalship was not that great and was IIRC partially influenced by having an Empress with a frail health and a future prussophile Tsar.

There was also some logistical issues that was influenced by the strategic approach: They had two options 1) think longterm and grab a Prussian port so the army could winter there and 2) move more in sorth western direction to directly support the Austrians in Silesia.

As the Austrians had difficulties supporting the Russian army it moved back to Vistula for winter quarters on several occasions, and therefore had some distance to cover when returning. The latter approach was preferred as they expected to make short work of Prussia, at least in the early part of the war but also because a combined army would be impossible for Frederick to stop.

An attempt to take Kolberg was dropped in 1758 because of poor generalship, but finally succeeded in 1761 which put Prussia in a bad position. But ultimately Prussia was saved by the death of the Russian Empress as well as poor Austrian economy that forced peace in the end.

The battle performance of the Russian army was quite good as can be seen at Zorndorf and Kunersdorf.

But I would say that the whole concept of Austria and even France wanting to ally with Russia to deal with a central European threat (Prussia) shows how the prestige of Russia had increased. It had become an important player by that time.

When it comes to Poland then I would say that Russia was already dominant by the end of the GNW and it is the Russians doing the work in Poland in the Polish War of Succession. But Russia was not alone of course and that be seen in the partitions as both Austria and Prussia took their part. I don't know if it can described as a success for any of the parties really. Sure the Prussians managed to connect to their eastern province but at the same time lost a buffer zone and got a direct border with Russia. Maybe Russia gained the most from it...