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Georgia Within the Russian Empire
Annexation by the Russian Empire began a new stage of
Georgian history, in which security was achieved by linking
Georgia more closely than ever with Russia. This subordinate
relationship would last nearly two centuries.
Russian Influence in the Nineteenth Century
Because of its weak position, Georgia could not name the
terms of protection by the Russian Empire. In 1801 Tsar Alexander
I summarily abolished the kingdom of Kartli-Kakhetia, and the
heir to the Bagratid throne was forced to abdicate. In the next
decade, the Russian Empire gradually annexed Georgia's entire
territory. Eastern Georgia (the regions of Kartli and Kakhetia)
became part of the Russian Empire in 1801, and western Georgia
(Imeretia) was incorporated in 1804. After annexation Russian
governors tried to rearrange Georgian feudal society and
government according to the Russian model. Russian education and
ranks of nobility were introduced, and the Georgian Orthodox
Church lost its autocephalous status in 1811. In the second half
of the nineteenth century, Russification intensified, as did
Georgian rebellions against the process.
Data as of March 1994
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