Crimean War Flashcards
What Caused the Crimean War?
- British Politicians believed British interests in India were being threatened by Russian advances.
- The prospect of Russian control of the Black Sea would threaten Britain’s short land route to India.
What Caused the Crimean War?
- British Politicians believed British interests in India were be threatened by Russian advances.
- The prospect of Russian control of the Black Sea would threaten Britain’s short land route to India.
What was the Russian Empire doing?
It had majorly grown in Europe and its army was advancing through central Asia, presenting a double threat to Britain.
Why was Turkey significant?
the Tsar believed Turkey was weak and wanted to carve up the Empire. Turkey controlled the exit from the black sea to the Mediterranean. Russia wanted Ice Free Ports for its fleets.
Why did Britain want Turkey to stay out of Russian control?
Britain needed the area around the Black Sea to remain in friendly hands as it was their best trade route to India.
Roger Fenton? (1819-1869)
Founded Royal Photograph Society in 1853. Took a job to produce an album of photos from the Crimean War (no horrors of war though) to be sold by Thomas Agnew & sons. Arrived in Balaclava in 1855. took nearly 400 photos.
William Howard Russell? (1820-1907)
Worked as a correspondent for the times newspaper from 1841. Was sent by the Times to Crimea (first professional journalist to report on the war)- without permission from the Gov or Army. His reports Britain, turning people against the war.
Battle Of Alma Results? (22nd September 1854)
If allies defeated in first encounter war would be over, if Russians were Sevastopol would be open for advance. Russian spectators came to watch (confidence), French began attack but got pinned down, British went on fall frontal and won, Russians fled, Sevastopol route open.
Battle Of Alma Results? (22nd September 1854)
If allies defeated in first encounter war would be over, if Russians were Sevastopol would be open for advance. Russian spectators came to watch (confidence), French began attack but got pinned down, British went on fall frontal and won, Russians fled, Sevastopol route open.
What did William Howard Russel comment on The Thin Red Line?
“only a thin red streak tipped with a line of steel”
What did William Howard Russel comment on The Thin Red Line?
“only a thin red streak tipped with a line of steel”
Battle Of Balaclava? (25 October 1854) Charge of the Light Brigade Buildup…
During the battle Raglan ordered Lord Lucan (cavalry commander) to prevent the Russians from removing a captured cannon from the Causeway Heights that overlooked too valleys close to Balaclava.
Impact of the Russian Winter - January 1855
Affected the British and stopped them functioning effectively as a military force. Due too: Lack of food; lack of suitable clothing; unsuitable accommodation; loss of men due to poor condition; terrible weather conditions.
Impact of the Russian Winter - January 1855
Affected the British and stopped them functioning effectively as a military force. Due too: Lack of food; lack of suitablke clothing; unsuitable accommadation; loss of men due to poor condition; terrible weather conditions.
What was the Russian Empire doing?
It had majorly grown in Europe and its army was advancing through central Asia, presenting a double threat to Britain.
Why was Turkey significant?
the Tsar believed Turkey was weak and wanted to carve up the Empire. Turkey controlled the exit from the black sea to the Mediterranean. Russia wanted Ice Free Ports for its fleets.
How did Lord Raglan fail in getting supplies for the troops?
He didn’t think the Army would fail to take Sevastopol before the winter, so didn’t inform Fiddler (head of the Commissariat) until 8th November, giving him no time to prepare for the winter.
How did Lord Cardigan fail in getting supplies for the troops?
Was spending days t a time on his yacht, so wasn’t aware of how bad the situation was. Also wouldn’t allow the Light Brigade to move the horses to Balaclava where they could be fed.
William Howard Russell? (1820-1907)
Worked as a correspondent for the times newspaper from 1841. Was sent by the Times to Crimea (first professional journalist to report on the war)- without permission from the Gov or Army. His reports Britain, turning people against the war.
Battle Of Alma buildup? (22nd September 1854)
Stemmed from the Russian Commander Menshikov deciding not too attack on the Brit/French first day March. Russian troops 3 miles south of Alma river. Inevitable battle, cholera set in, RAGLAN assured French of backup, didn’t tell commanders though, underestimate Russian strength.
Battle Of Alma Results? (22nd September 1854)
If allies defeated in first encounter war would be over, if Russains were Sebastopol would be open for advance. Russian spectators came to watch (confidence), French began attack but got pinned down, British went on fall frontal and won, Russians fled, Sebastopol route open.
Battle Of Balaclava? (25 October 1854) - The Thin Red Line…
Morning of the Charge of The Light Brigade the Russian cavalry advance on Balaclava was halted by the 93rd Highland Regiment. Commander Colin Campbell used different tactic (long line, two men deep) to protect the defenseless British base. Stopped the Russian advance.
What did William Howard Russel comment on The Thin Red Line?
“only a thin red streak tipped with a line of steel”
Battle Of Balaclava? (25 October 1854) Charge of the Light Brigade Buildup…
During the battle Raglan ordered Lord Lucan (cavalry commander) to prevent the Russians from removing a captured cannon from the Causeway Heights that overlooked two valleys close to Balaclava.
Battle Of Balaclava? (25 October 1854) Charge of the Light Brigade Result…
Confusion between Lucan and Raglan, passed through Nolan and his explanation lead Lucan to send the Light Brigade up the Wrong Valley, resulting in a military failure.
118 men killed, 127 wounded, 60 taken prisoner.
Impact of the Russian Winter - January 1855
Affected the British and stopped them functioning effectively as a military force. Due too: Lack of food; lack of suitablke clothing; unsuitable accommadation; loss of men due to poor condition; terrible weather conditions.
Impact of Reportage: Roger Fenton
He had two main problems: 1. banned from photographing horrific images, 2. photographic technology wasn’t advanced enough too allow moving subjects. He got bored of taking pics of ships etc, got showed the “Valley of the Shadow of Death” and showed it back home.
Impact of Reportage: William Russell
Russell’s frank revelations about Military mismanagement and administrative incompetence shocked the middle class. Graphic descriptions of the horrors of war. Undermined the Governments representation of war and ruined the reputation of Lord Raglan and others.
How well supplied were the troops?
Its obvious that the troops were not well supplied and this was due to two main thing, 1. human error and 2. the weather.
How did Lord Raglan fail in getting supplies for the troops?
He didn’t think the Army would fail to take Sevastopol before the winter, so didn’t inform Fiddler (head of the Commissariat) until 8th November, giving him no time to prepare for the winter.
How did Lord Cardigan (commander of the light Brigade) fail in getting supplies for the troops?
Was spending days at a time on his yacht, so wasn’t aware of how bad the situation was. Also wouldn’t allow the Light Brigade to move the horses to Balaclava where they could be fed.
How did the weather affect the supplies to troops in the Crimean War?
A lot of horses died due to lack of shelter - no way to transport food up to the camp. There was a tremendous storm in Crimea. The road to the harbour from the camp was impassable due to heavy rain.
Reactions to the war in Britain
William Russell brought the horrors of war back to Britain. Due to the times reporting Sir Robert Peel (son of the old Prime Minister) donated £200 to supply ‘comforts’ to the sick and wounded. This started the ‘Crimea Fund’ which quickly managed to raise £7000 for the cause.
