Disraelis Handling of the Balkan Crisis represented the triumph of style over substance How far do you agree?
‘Disraeli’s Handling of the Balkan Crisis represented the triumph of style over substance’ How far do you agree?
In some parts of the Balkan crisis Disraeli’s handling of the crisis was a triumph for style over substance. One example of style being a success is when Disraeli moved 700 0 troops from India to Malta. He did this to show Russia that he was willing to use force to top them taking Constantinople. Disraeli had called fro turkey to be put in front of Congress rather than relying upon the San Stefano treaty of 1878. Russia failed to respond and this failure to respond allowed Disraeli to convince is cabinet, including opposing members such as Derby, to utilise the army on the 27th March 1878. Another example of Disraeli’s style being a great success was his over powering performance in the Berlin Congress in June 1878. In the aftermath of Russia’s war with Turkey there were many issues that were left unsolved and Disraeli managed to get force most of the decision his way. He forced Russia to back down and allow the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire’s troops to be stationed in Southern Bulgaria, even though Russia initially rejected this, Disraeli’s style forced them to agree. This moment was thought of as the peak of the success of Disraeli’s time in office, especially considering his ill health at the age of 73. He was renamed the ‘Lion of Congress’ and Bismarck stated ‘The old Jew, that is the man’.