The Survival Game: The Settlers from Russia
This "survival game" is a fantastic outdoor simulation game based on the real life experiences of the Russian settlers. You will have to dress up and live like a Russian settler who explored Far East and North Eastern China during the 18th and 19th centuries. Being experiencing these outdoor activities and putting on these historical costumes, you will have a deeper understanding of the expansion and imperialism of the Russian Empire. You will be assigned into a group of 5 to 10, and we will provide you with necessary equipments, such as fishing poles, maps, shotguns, ammunitions, knives, camps, compasses, coats, hats, flintstones, empty sacks, water bottles, and etc... We will take you guys into the simulation field which was built and constructed based on the geography and ecology in Far East. You will have to travel to the village, your destination, in 2 days. In these two days, you will probably face some difficult and dangerous situations, such as bad weathers, hunger, getting lost, anxiety, and the attack from Manchurian tigers. To keep you safe, we will send Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, as your tour guide who will tell you about the history and teach you how to survive in the harsh environment.
Well... I have no idea why Putin is hired as the tour guide. Perhaps, he just enjoys this job more than being the president...
In this "survival game", you will learn some basic hunting skills from Putin. This was one of the most common ways that the Russian settlers used to get enough food. But remember, don't shoot at each other with the shotguns, because Putin will have right to execute you if you will not follow the rules! Don't hurt the others! Respect their human rights!
In those two days, you will also have a chance to fish in the chilly rivers inside of simulation field. Putin will be responsible for cooking the Russian style BBQ fish for you guys.
At about the afternoon of the second, you will probably arrive at a station which will provide you with horses and Russian troikas. Putin will use the troikas to bring you guys to the destination. Be careful when you are on the troikas! Since it is possible than the horses will break the ice on the river. Putin will only carry the horses to the shore, but will not be responsible for your death. Sometimes, you will be chasing by the Manchurian tigers when you are on the river. "Don't let the horses get killed" will the only words that you will hear from Putin. So, have a good luck!
Luckily, you will arrive at the Russian fort built by wood. That will your final destination, and you will be about to buy some souvenirs, such as baby tigers and vodka. If you got injured, the free vodka will be provided, and please to feel free to pour it on your wounds. By the way, the village will also provide you with cold water for taking a shower.
The Russian Expansion in Far East
Since 1500s, the Russians has been extending their power to the Far East and Siberia. The Russia Cossacks and traders traveled to the east and started to build the settlements and to occupy the land in Siberia. However, the Russians confronted the Chinese army as they expanded in the Far East and signed the Treaty of Nerchinsk (1689) with China. The treaty gave China the rights to settle in the Sakhalin Island, north bank of the Amur River, and the east mouth of the Argun River. Russians could only attain the land between the Lake Baikal and the Argun River. However, this treaty didn't destroy the their ambition of expanding more territories. The settlement became more prevelant after the contruction of the Trans-Siberian Railroad in the late 1800s.
Since Russian Empire became an imperialistic power in the 19th century, the Russians tried to take more land away from China and to expand its power in the Far East. In May 28th 1858, the Treaty of Aigun was signed, and was considered as an unequal treaty by the Chinese government. The treaty gave Russia the control of the north bank of the Amur. Russians could also settle along the river banks of the Argun River and the Ussuri River. Besides the territories, the Russians became able to sail on the Amur River, Ussuri River, and the Sungari River as the Chinese people in those regions. Although the Treaty of Aigun decreased the Chinese control over the North Eastern China, it also stimulated the trading between China and Russia in that region. The treaty greatly benefited the Russian Empire, since it helped Russia to increase its power in the Far East and made it possible for Russia to annex more territories in Northeastern China.
In 1860, the Convention of Beijing was signed between China and Russia. This treaty defined the borders between China and Russia and was added to the previous the Treaty of Tianjing and the Treaty of Aigun. The Russians gained the territories on the right bank of the Ussuria River and other territories. The Russians also controlled the Sakhalin Island which was controlled by the Chinese for several dynasties. In the west, the treaty of pushed the border towards the south, and the Russian Empire gained more land in that area.
In sum, the Russian Empire quickly expanded across the Siberia and Far East in the 19th century. The Russians gained controlled the vast areas in Siberian, land used to be controlled by China, and even land in North America. By signing the Treaty of Aigun and the Convention of Beijing in 1860, Russian had more influence and power in the Far East and had more access to the Pacific Ocean. The building of Vladivostok and the construction of the Trans-Siberial also helped Russians to be more influential in Northeastern Aisa.