The Crimean War 1853 - 1856

Question 1

How many years of international peace was there after the Treaty of Vienna?

Answer 1

4

Question 2

What 2 issues were there that were causing conflict within the Ottoman Empire?

Answer 2

• Nationalism brought issues because there were multiple nations within an empire
• Religion because Ottoman Empire was Islamic but a lot of the areas they conquered were Christian

Question 3

What 3 things did Russia want?

Answer 3

• Warm water port in Constantinople
• Assert their position as protector of Christians in Balkans
• Assertion of power

Question 4

Why did Napoleon want to challenge Russia and how did he plan on doing this?

Answer 4

• 1815 –> Humiliated in Congress of Vienna
• By destroying 1815 peace settlement
• By showing France was best in Europe

Question 5

Why was Russia’s wish for Constantinople worrying for Britain?

Answer 5

• Russia could sail through Straits
• Threat to British naval supremacy in East Mediterranean

Question 6

Who do Russia invade in July 1853?

Answer 6

Moldavia and Wallachia (Ottoman provinces) , claiming they were protecting the Christians there

Question 8

When does the Ottoman Empire declare war on Russia?

Answer 8

Oct 1853

Question 8

When did each country declare war on each other?

Answer 8

• 27 March 1854 –> France declared war on Russia
• 28 March –> Britain declares war on Russia

Question 9

What happens in July 1854?

Answer 9

Austria threatened Russia so Russia withdraws from Moldovia and Wallachia

Question 10

Who proposes 4 points in an attempt to end the war and why does this fail?

Answer 10

• Austria
• Russia does not agree to them

Question 11

When do British forces sail to Crimea and with how many forces?

Answer 11

• Sep 1854
• 5 infantry divisions, 1 cavalry division, 26000 British troops

Question 12

Give 2 reasons why the British forces were not in a fit state to fight:

Answer 12

1) Little military experience since 1815 because there weren’t many wars after Treaty of Vienna
2) Run by military high command w/out any gov interference which allowed for complacencies
3) Decline in army budget: 1815 –> £43 million, 1840s –> £9.5 mil
4) Military administration was polycentric

Question 13

What 5 problems were there with recruiting people for the army?

Answer 13

• Death risk from more disease but also action
• Harsh discipline
• Horrible conditions eg overcrowded barracks
• Low pay
• Long service: min 21 yrs for soldiers, 24 for cavalry