The Background Of The Crimean War Flashcards
Why was the Russians action causing concern in Britain?
British politicians believed that India was under the threat of the Russian army’s advance towards the Mediterranean Black Sea.
What was creating concern for other countries in relation to Russia?
The Russians doubled their empire size and spread through India/Asia (British Empire) between 1800-1850
What was Tsar Nicholas trying to secure for his Empire?
The Ottoman Empire - the “sick old man of Europe”
Why did Tsar Nicholas’ aims create a double-threat for the British?
The British Empire needed the Black Sea to remain with friends so they could remain connected to India. If this area was taken by Russia, India would be cut off from the British and likely fall into Russian control.
What social position was France in during this time?
They had been isolated within Europe since their defeat at the Battle of Waterloo and were desperate to regain communications with it’s neighbouring countries.
What did the Russians use as an excuse for declaring war against the Ottoman Empire?
The dispute between Orthodox Christians and Catholics in Jerusalem. They claimed they were protecting the Greek Orthodox Christians living there and their rights.
What was Russia the guardian of in the Orthodox Empire?
Russia was the guardian of the Orthodox shrines.
Describe the Franco-Russian relationship in relation to the Orthodox Empire.
It had largely deteriorated over the Church of the holy Sepulchre. Russia wanted to protect the Greek Orthodox Christians and France intervened as protector of the Catholics.
Who was chosen to look after the Church of the holy Sepulchre?
The Catholics monks were chosen to protect it in 1852 and France was given the special status as the holder of the keys - leading to the Franco-British alliance.
What was the Russians first move towards the Ottoman Empire?
Tsar Nicholas sent prince Menshikov to Constantinpole along with the Black Sea fleet and Chief of forces to “help protect the Orthodox Christian rights”. Russia then “encouraged” Turkey to obey the group, under the threat of Russian troops occupying Moldavia and Walachia should they do otherwise.
How did Britain and France respond to Russia’s threat towards the Orthodox Empire?
They sent a fleet to Dardanelles to support Turkey on the 15th June 1853.
How did the Russians retaliate to the Franco-British intervention?
Tsar Nicholas sent Russian troops into Moldavia and Walachia to complete their threat in July.
Why was no further action taken in August?
British parliament was closed, so no further decisions could be made.
When did Turkey declare war against Russia?
5th October 1853.
What did the British and French do on the 5th April 1854?
Their troops arrived at Dardanelles, headed for Constantinpole and then to Scutari.
What happened in mid-May 1854?
The hot weather led Lord Raglan and French/Turkish commanders to the Black Sea port of Varna to force the Russian troops to retreat.
Why didn’t the war end after the Russian retreat at the Black Sea port of Varna?
The allied governments convinced themselves to destroy the Russian naval base at Sebastopol and the Russian fleet. The public opinion was also “popular beyond belief” according to Queen Victoria.
What triggered the Crimean War?
Lord Raglan ordered the invasion of Crimea in response to Queen Victoria’s statement of the public.
