Origins of Conflict
Important trade and communication routes lie within the Northern Caucus, which is between Georgia and Russia. The Northern Caucus includes the country Chechnya, along with other territories. Chechnya also had abundant oil wells and other important resources necessary for expansion. In 1556, Russia sought control of this area along with other empires, such as Persia and the Ottoman Empire. Over the years as wars were fought over Chechnya, the native Chechens saw the Russians as a threat to their land and thus began the centuries long conflict between the two groups. The Chechens wanted Russia out, yet Russia wanted access to the Northern Caucus and the resource rich land.