Georgia, because of its weak position, cannot name the terms of protection by the Russian Empire.

In 1801 Tsar Alexander I had 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 annexes Georgia's entire territory.

Eastern Georgia (the regions of Kartli and Kakhetia) had become part of the Russian Empire in 1801, and western Georgia (Imeretia) is incorporated in 1804.

After annexation Russian governors try to rearrange Georgian feudal society and government according to the Russian model.

Russian education and ranks of nobility are introduced, and the Georgian Orthodox Church losws its autocephalous status in 1811.