Russia's 1839 winter campaign against Khiva failed due to extreme cold, delaying conquest of the khanate by over three decades.
Key Facts
- Russian force size
- 5,000 men
- Expedition departure point
- Orenburg
- Distance reached
- Approximately halfway to Khiva
- Primary cause of failure
- Unusually cold winter; loss of most camels
- Khiva finally conquered
- 1873 (Khivan campaign)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Russia sought to expand its influence into Central Asia and conquer the Khanate of Khiva, a goal it had pursued since at least the early 18th century. General Vasily Perovsky was tasked with leading a military expedition southward from Orenburg to subdue the khanate.
In 1839, Perovsky departed Orenburg with approximately 5,000 troops but encountered an exceptionally harsh winter that decimated the expedition's camel transport. Unable to sustain the advance, the force was compelled to turn back after reaching only the halfway point toward Khiva.
The failed campaign left Khiva independent for another three decades. Russia eventually succeeded in conquering the khanate during the Khivan campaign of 1873, incorporating it into the Russian Empire as a protectorate.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Vasily Perovsky.
Side B
1 belligerent