Crimean War Flashcards
Ottoman Empire and Great Power interests
Turk government claimed authority over Balkans, Middle East, Egypt. However, lot of nationalities made it difficult to rule and government depended on Constantinople. Great powers saw advantages to preserving empire e.g. Russia a primary influence (her gains of Black Sea, passage for merchant trade) she wanted more territorial gains and to support Slavs to throw Turk rule. Also wanted to preserve the weak turkey. Britain wants to preserve her, supported their cause but suspicious of Russia and her possible growth of power and damage her trade in India. British public opinion. FRANCE INTERESTS CLASHED WITH BRITIANS IN TRADE IN THE EAST!
Crimean War Summary
Began as conflict between Ottoman Empire and Russia 1853, and in 1854 Britain and France declared war on Russia and Piedmont did in 1855.
Napoleon III and Holy Places
Question: what to do with the empire? Louis Napoleon III president, Russia suspicious of her pursuit of foreign policies and her interest in restoring French influence. She wanted to challenge Russia. Britain also worried. HOLY PLACES DISPUTE. France given authority over holy places, Russia angry–sees herself of protected of Christians under sultans rule. But France had no wish for war, just to gain prestige.
Menshikov Mission
Nicholas angry. Tried to force sultan to revoke decision. Sent He thought he had British support (anti Turkish Abeerdeen) but cabinet was divided. Some suspicious of Tsar. Palmerston wanted to support Turkey. RUSSOPHOBIA in Britain would Russia try to control Constantinople? Liberals and radicals excited. Sultan encouraged to resist Russian demands, tsar broke off ties with Turkey. British and French fleet sent to support turkey, Britain –France cooperation.
The War 1853-4
Russian troops occupied Moldavia and Wallachia. Adamant for sultan to crumble. Austria alarmed, and Britain fearful. Austria, Prussia, Britain and France met to figure how to satisfy Tsar. Tsar accepted Vienna Note (compromise) after Austrian aid unlikely. But Russia rejected Turkish amendments. Turk nationalist resentful of Russian occupation. Turkey declared war. British and French subjected to pressure from Liberals. British gov divided. France took lead, appealed for peace. Collapse of HA. Russia ignored British and French demands to withdraw and declared war on Russia 1854.
Powers Divisions
Britain, France, Prussia and Austria agreed to defend Ottoman Empire. But all had different aims. E.g France wanted gain prestige, Britain wanted to reduce Russian power. Austria keen to support Britain (her interests were threatened by Russia). She led diplomacy e.g. Four points. Russia rejected this, forcing Austria into either siding with Britain and France or negotiating.
Effects on international relations
Marked the demises of concert of Europe. Years of warfare. Russia wanted to removed her restrictions of naval power, and disregarded VS etc. Her pursual of Asia led Britain into a rivalry as would threatened her trade. Austria committed to retaining status quo. Russia felt betrayed, and Austria helpless to Italian unification. France played big military role!
