The Crimean War

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Kate Manson

THE CRIMEAN WAR

  • Also known as the Eastern War
  • March 1854-February 1856
  • Fought between the Russian Empire on one side and France, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Ottoman Empire on the other. It was the first time that Britain and France were on the same side. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was called upon by both sides to help but decided to remain neutral, not wanting to damage their international relations.
  • The Crimean War was the first war involving European nations since 1815 when the aim of the peacekeepers at the Congress of Vienna was to maintain peace for at least 15 years.
  • The main reason for the conflict was the collision of colonial interests between Russia and Turkey. Both countries wanted control over the Holy Land.
  • On 23rd of October 1853 Turkey declared war on Russia. Britain and France joined the war in March 1854 and Sardinia joined in January 1855.

LONG TERM CAUSES

Britain wanted to help the Ottoman Empire for several reasons. Britain had a good position in the Empire and had special rates on raw materials. They also wanted to keep control over the sea routes in the Mediterranean. They also wanted to preserve the Ottoman Empire because Britain was worried about Russia expansion and Turkey would act as a barrier against it. Britain was hostile towards Russia at this time because of the Great Game which was in Central Asia in the area in between the Russian area and British India. This resulted in British-Russia rivalry in Afghanistan.

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The Ottoman Empire was weaker after loss of territory to Russia. The Sultan was relying on foreign aid from the rest of Europe. Russia realised that the Ottoman Empire was attractive and vulnerable. They wanted to gain control over the Straits in order to have easier access to the Mediterranean. Britain did not want Russia to have control over the Straits. The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire knew this and played the two powers against each other.

The change of important politicians in Europe also contributed greatly to the build-up of the Crimean War. This was because of the ...

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