Military Reforms + Crimean war Flashcards
What was training like before reform?
- lack of training
- no basic literacy for serf conscripts
- elites hold higher ranks
How did Alex reform training?
Military colleges were set up which accepted non nobles recruits
How effective was training reform?
Officer class still largely aristocrat BUT improved communication in tactics and confidence
What was service like before reform?
- conscription targeted serfs
- service can be given as punishment for the crime
- most served for 25years (life sentence)
How did Alex reform service?
- length of service reduced to 15years
- conscription made compulsory for all classes over 20
- service can’t be given as punishment by the courts
How effective was the reforms to service?
Still remained largely peasant conscript
BUT better quality soldiers and army made up of those willing to serve
What was military discipline like before reform?
Corporal punishment was used
How did Alex reform military discipline?
- Army education campaign improved discipline of the soldiers so less punishment is needed
- reorganisation of forces removed abuses
How effective was the reforms to military discipline?
problems of supply and leadership were still not fully restored
BUT more distinguished and professional forces
What was weaponry like before reform?
Viewed as out of date (weapons of 18th century not 19th)
What reforms did Alex make to weaponry?
- modern weaponry introduced
Eg. Iron clad steam ships - railways constructed to improve the transport of troops and weapons
How effective was the reforms to weaponry?
Still suffered defeat on land and at sea
Eg. Japan 1904-1905
BUT made Russia more able in combat
What were the causes of the Crimean war?
War over who would control the territories of the ottoman empire
Why did Russia join war?
- to support persecuted Christian’s in the Balkans (controlled by Ottomans)
- they feared Turkish influence
Why did Britain join the war?
Russian expansion threatened sea routes to India
Why did France join the war?
Napoleon III wanted to assert influence
When was the Crimean war?
October 1853 - February 1856
When was the battle of Balacava?
1854
What happened in the battle of balaclava?
Charge of the light brigade
70% died
When did peace talks happen?
1856
What treaty ended war?
Treaty of Paris
What were the consequences of the war? / how many died
300,000 soldiers killed
What did the war show)
That Russia was military inferior
What was agreed in the treaty of Paris?
The Black Sea would be neutral territory
(No warships / defences)
