Экспедиции Беринга как основа укрепления России на Тихоокеанском севере в первой половине XVIII века
Bering’s expeditions as the basis for strengthening Russia in the Pacific Ocean in the first half of the 18th century

Summary/Abstract: The article is devoted to the study of the influence of the First Kamchatka and Second Kamchatka expeditions on the formation of Russia’s colonial ambitions in the Pacific Ocean in the 18th century. The article shows the goals, preparation process and results of the expeditions. The preparation and implementation of the expeditions were a complex and multifaceted process in which various government agencies took part, which became the basis for further merchant expeditions of the second half of the 18th century. Based on archival documents, it is shown how Peter the Great’s plans were implemented. The expeditions of the famous Dane in the Russian service demonstrated the effective possibility of connecting the land and sea sections of the route. These voyages led to the discovery of the strait between the continents, and the actual mapping of the northwest of North America, which acquired special strategic significance. The importance of the Russian Orthodox Church in the realization of the expeditions is noted. The article shows the role that Bering’s voyages played in interaction with foreign powers, primarily with Spain, a country that laid claim to all territories in the northwest of America up to Kamchatka. It is noted that the discovery of sea routes from the East to America and Russia’s new opportunities for colonization potentially contributed to the aggravation of relations with the Spanish Crown. It is concluded that Russia’s geopolitical goals were based on the ideas of Peter the Great. The vector of transforming Russia into a great maritime power that he laid down was continued by subsequent Russian rulers of the 18th century. The article is based on a wide range of sources from domestic and foreign archives.

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