Crimean War, San Stefano Treaty and the Congress of Berlin. Flashcards
When was the Crimean War?
October 1853 - February 1856
What caused the Crimean War?
Conflict over control of the Holy Lands between France and Russia.
What happened in 1853-1854 regarding the Crimean War?
In 1853, rioting occurred in Bethlehem resulting in the deaths of Orthodox monks, these deaths were blamed on the Ottoman Empire by Russia. In 1854, negotiations collapsed and Great Britain, France and the Ottoman Empire declared war on Russia.
What was ‘the Eastern Question’?
Political and economic concerns as the Balkan nationalism was being supported by Russia. Austria-Hungary was determined to prevent Russian ambitions but also feared nationalism as a polyglot empire.
What happened in the Balkans in 1875-77?
Turkish revolts occurred in the Balkans resulting in over 10,000 Bulgarian deaths in 1876. This prompted Russians to aid their fellow Slavs. In 1877, Russia declared war on Turkey with the neutrality of Austria to protect Habsburg interests.
What was the treaty imposed by Russia in 1877?
The San Stefano Treaty. This was imposed on Turkey and regarded as a Russian attempt to secure power over the Balkans. This had hostile reactions from Austria and Great Britain.
What did M.S. Sanderson say regarding the San Stefano Treaty (HSQ)?
“The fullest practical expression ever given in Russian foreign policy to the Panslav ideal.”
What was the hostile response from Great Britain to the San Stefano Treaty?
Great Britain sent a fleet to Turkey and troops were recalled from India. Russia was faced with revision or war.
What was established to revise the San Stefano Treaty?
The Congress of Berlin. Suggested by Austria and mediated by Bismarck. The revision was acceptable to all except Russia.
What were the 4 revisions made to the San Stefano Treaty?
- Bulgaria was split into three territories, the largest of which was self-governed under Turkish control.
- Romania, Montenegro and Serbia become independent.
- Macedonia is still under Ottoman control.
- Austria-Hungary could occupy, but not annex Bosnia-Herzegovinia.
What did Langer say in regard to the significance of the Congress of Berlin?
“Russia could hardly have been more effectively checked even by war.”
Bulgaria was split, the Turkish Empire survived and British power in the Mediterranean increased.
How did Tsar Alexander II describe the congress?
“a coalition of the European powers against Russia under the leadership of Prince Bismarck.”
Bismarck was now in a dangerous position as Dreikaiserbund collapsed.
