Crimean War

Crimean War

The Crimean War was a military conflict fought from October 1853 to February 1856 in which Russia lost to an alliance made up of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain and Sardinia. The immediate cause of the war involved the rights of Christian minorities in the Holy Land, which was a part of the Ottoman Empire. The French promoted the rights of Roman Catholics, while Russia promoted those of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Background

The longer-term causes involved the decline of the Ottoman Empire, and the unwillingness of Britain and France to allow Russia to gain territory and power at Ottoman expense. Russia and the Ottoman Empire went to war over Russia's territorial ambitions in the Danube region.

War Outbreak

In July 1853, Russian troops occupied the Danubian Principalities (modern Romania), which were under Ottoman suzerainty. Britain attempted to mediate and arranged a compromise that Nicholas agreed to. However, when the Ottomans demanded full withdrawal, the Tsar refused. When the Ottomans formally declared war in October 1853, they had a large advantage in troops at the start of the war.

War Progression

The war progressed with disastrous losses on both sides during the winter. At the beginning of 1854, both Russia and the Ottoman Empire were ready for peace. However, France and Britain continued the war effort to halt Russian expansion.

Aftermath

The war ended in 1856 with the Treaty of Paris, which required Russia to respect Ottoman independence and integrity, to abandon its claim to protect the Orthodox subjects of the Ottoman sultan, and to give up some of its territory along the Black Sea coast.

See Also

• Treaty of Paris (1856)
• Ottoman Empire
• Russia

Crimean War Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia