Russo-Afghan War 1885

The border skirmish known as the Russo-Afghan war was part of Russia's expansion into Central Asia during the final stages of the European Colonial era.  The Russians were attempting to expand their frontier, while the British were trying to keep Russia from dominating Central Asia.  To help settle this rivalry an Anglo-Russian commission was created.  It met with little success and Russia eventually halted negotiations.  This caused a great deal of concern in England.

  British concern soon turned to alarm when Russian forces occupied the city of Merv, then moved further into Afghanistan in a bid to take the remaining Turkoman lands.  The British then began preparations to defend the city of Herat which was seen as critical to the defense of India.  The Russians then agreed not to move further into Afghanistan, but some units violated their orders and engaged Afghan troops in the battle of Ak-Teppe.  It was a victory for the Russians, but increased tensions with England.  In England a there were calls for military action against Russia , and for a time it seemed as though war between the two Great Powers would be inevitable.

Fortunately cooler heads prevailed.  The Russians resumed negotiations with the British prime minister (William Gladstone) and reached an agreement fixing part of the Russo-Afghan border on 10 September 1885.  As a result of the agreement Russia was allowed to keep the Penjdeh district, and the Afghans were allowed to retain Zulfkar Pass.  The remainder of the border region was fixed in 1887.