Catherine II's reign is notable for imperial expansion, which brings the empire huge new territories in the south and west, and for internal consolidation.

Following a war that breaks out with the Ottoman Empire in 1768, the parties agreed to the Treaty of Kuchuk-Kainarji in 1774.

By that treaty, Russia acquires an outlet to the Black Sea, and the Crimean Tatars are made independent of the Ottomans.

In 1783 Catherine annexes Crimea, helping to spark the next war with the Ottoman Empire, which begins in 1787.

By the Treaty of Jassy in 1792, Russia expands southward to the Dnestr River.

The terms of the treaty fall far short of the goals of Catherine's reputed "Greek project"—the expulsion of the Ottomans from Europe and the renewal of a Byzantine Empire under Russian control.

The Ottoman Empire no longer is a serious threat to Russia, however, and is forced to tolerate an increasing Russian influence over the Balkans.