Changes

By the end of the 19th century, Russia already controlled the Pacific coast, so it turned its attention to the [[Korea|Korean Peninsula]] and [[Manchuria]]. Russia's subsequent defeat in the Russo-Japanese War was one of the causes of the end of the Russian Empire.

By the end of the 19th century, Russia already controlled the Pacific coast, so it turned its attention to the [[Korea|Korean Peninsula]] and [[Manchuria]]. Russia's subsequent defeat in the Russo-Japanese War was one of the causes of the end of the Russian Empire.

Russia played a significant role in inciting the First World War. The military leaders in Russia claimed the conflict would lead to control over the Black Sea Straits and Constantinople - today's [[Istanbul]], then in the eyes of the Russians - "the second [[Rome]]".

Russia played a significant role in inciting the [[World War I|First World War]]. The military leaders in Russia claimed the conflict would lead to control over the Black Sea Straits and Constantinople - today's [[Istanbul]], then in the eyes of the Russians - "the second [[Rome]]".

After numerous military setbacks, the Russian Empire completely collapsed from within. The Brest- Litovsk peace, concluded as a result of negotiations between the new Bolshevik government and the German Empire, briefly resulted in a long-awaited statehood for Ukrainians and Belarusians.

After numerous military setbacks, the Russian Empire completely collapsed from within. The Brest- Litovsk peace, concluded as a result of negotiations between the new Bolshevik government and the German Empire, briefly resulted in a long-awaited statehood for Ukrainians and Belarusians.