Lesson 5 - The origins of the Crimean War Flashcards
What did the relative peace of 12 years after the Egyptian-Ottoman war allow Sultan Abdulmejid to do?
To introduce the Tanzimat reforms and to modernise progressively his empire.
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Although for most of the 1840’s rivalries between the Great Powers were relatively muted - what problems still existed?
1) Mistrust towards Russia was still prevalent, especially in Britain;
2) During violent conflict between communities in Lebanon in 1841-45, France supported Maronites, while Britain backed Druzes.
Why did these existing rivalries have a major impact on leading to the Crimean war?
These tensions resurfaced and reached boiling point in early 1850s with question of the Holy Places. Ultimately, it was failure to find solution that satisfied both Orthodox and Catholic
(also referred to as Latin) communities, and above all their champions Russia and France, that led to Crimean War.
Who were the major Great Powers against each other in the Crimean War?
Russia against Britain and France
What was at stake?
The Eastern Mediterranean region. All considered that
the Ottoman Empire was in decline and sought to become the dominant economic and political power there.
Why in the 19th century was Russia perceived as a threat by London?
. balance of power in Europe;
* Mediterranean route to India;
* British economic interests in region.
Why did London sought to protect the Ottoman Empire and encourage Sultans to introduce reforms that would strengthen it against internal and external threats?
Thanks to Capitulations granted by Sultans to British subjects and to Treaty of Balta Liman signed in 18381, British manufactured goods benefited from low customs duties, making Ottoman Empire ideal market. At same time, it was sourceof cheap commodities and food (Britain imported most food her people consumed
throughout 19th century. By 1900, figure reached 50%).
The Russian economy was not too backward to represent any real threat to Britain’s share of the Ottoman market.
What was Russia’s position regarding the Ottoman Empire?
For Tsar, on contrary, Ottoman Empire was crumbling and therefore, Russia would have to get her share of spoils. To secure her position, Russia had on several occasions taken steps to weaken Ottoman Empire. Between Treaty of Adrianople in 1829 and 1853, Saint Petersburg pursued “weak neighbour” policy.
Why was the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainardji in 1774 important at this stage?
In the “weak neighbour” policy, religion was key as it allowed Russia to interfere constantly in Ottoman affairs. Since the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainardji in 1774, Russia had assumed the role of protector of the Ottoman Orthodox Christians.
Why did the tensions between Britain and Russia remain contained in the first half of the 19th century?
Russia still needed the support of Britain, as well as Austria and Prussia, to contain revolutionary threat symbolised by France.
What was the ideological differences between Britain and Russia?
Britain was more and more liberal, Russia was more and more authoritative. This ideological conflict would be exacerbated in 1848 and concerned the fate of Danubian Principalities - Moldavia and Wallachia.
Why did Russia occupy Moldavia and Wallachia for five years in 1829?
Because the sultan didn’t pay the war indemnity to Russia as stipulated under the Treaty of Adrianople.
When did Russia leave Moldavia and Wallachia?
After the Treaty of Hunkar Lskelesi - two princes were appointed to run them in the 1830’s and 1840s. Russia did retain the rights to oversee them.
What happened in 1848?
Revolutionary fever affected the Danubian Principalities who had become more developed and sent some young people to be educated in Western Europe. A new constitution was proclaimed in Bucharest on 27 June 1848 -Russian advisers were forced to flle [In Moldavia the nationalist uprising was not so successful]
What did Russia do?
They accepted the Ottoman Empire’s request to them to supress the revolt - in 1849 they did so on their way to help Austria supress the Hungarians.
Did Britain support Russia in this?
At first but the harsh repression of the revolutionaries caused outrage and they also got very worried that both the Sultan and Austrians were indebted to Russia - again threat to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Why was France also against Russia at this time?
They conflicted with Russia in Lebanon and the Holy Land.
Why did relations between the Ottoman Empire and Russia break down?
The Ottoman Empire refused to extradite revolutions to the Russians who had fled there.
Why did Britain and France send their fleets to the Dardanelles.
To be able to defend the Sultan should Russia attack.
How was war averted?
The Tsar agreed to drop his demand in exchange for a promise that refugees would not be allowed anywhere near the Ottoman-Russian border.
What was a major trigger for the Crimean War?
A dispute over the Holy places in Palestine.
Who did France support in Palestine?
The Catholics - under privileges conferred in the 16th Century by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to King of France, Francois I.
Who did Russia support in Palestine?
The Orthodox - this was in line with the position of the Tsar as a natural protector of all Orthodox.
What did different religions and sects compete to protect in the Holy Land?
Every single spot connected with Holy Places of Christianity. Holding key to particular door and so controlling access to
place and rituals performed there, or right to repair particular building became important issues as each group tried to assert its power and position.
