Cause & Background of the Crimean War

Question 1

Why did Russia want to invade Turkey?

Answer 1

saw a chance for territorial gain/expansion
- Turkey was weak ‘sick man of Europe’

Russia hoped for its black sea fleet to pass through freely
- for R to go from the black sea to the med have to go through turkey controlled seaways

Question 2

What did Br/Fr think abt Russia taking over Turkey?

Answer 2

didn’t want R in the med
- in particular Br worried abt trade routes to India

Question 3

What did Russia do in 1853?

Answer 3

pressed Ottoman Sultan for concessions regarding empire’s christian subjects
- he refused & russians invaded Ottoman Danube provinces
- Turkey declared war on 5th October

Question 4

What did Br & Fr do in response?

Answer 4

Br & Fr sent fleets to Dardanelles to support Turkey (stop R in med)
+ when R attacked an ottoman fleet 30th nov = Br/Fr made a huge fuss

Jan 1854 - Br/Fr fleets sailed into the black sea to blockade the R fleet

March 1854 - war declared on R + 26,000 strong Br army sailed for the Crimea