The eighteenth century brings Russian involvement in…

The eighteenth century brings Russian involvement in European events, particularly in competition with Austria for the spoils of the Turkish collapse.

The Orthodox Serbs look to the tsar for support, and Russia forges ties with Montenegro and the Serbian church in southern Hungary.

In 1774 Russia wins the diplomatic right to protect Christian subjects of the Turks; later it uses this right as a pretext to intervene in Turkish affairs.

When Russia and Austria fight another war with the Ottoman Empire in 1787 and 1788, Serbs fight guerrilla battles against the Turks.

Austria abandons the campaign, and the Serbs, in 1791.

To secure their frontier, the Turks grant their Serbian subjects a measure of autonomy and form a Serbian militia.