Crimean War1853-1856

Balance of Power in Europe Tested

Location of War

Players in War:

Conflict pitted Russia against France, Great Britain, Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Sardinia.

Background of Conflict

Russia makes demands on Turkey in an attempt enlarge their (Russia’s) power in the region

The war was part of a long-running contest between the major European powers for influence over territories of the declining Ottoman Empire.

Russia didn’t believe that France and Britain would get involved because they thought because they had made the Quadruple Alliance and was providing troops to maintain the balance of power- France and Britain would stay out.

France and Britain Get Involved

France and Britain who wanted to maintain power in Europe decided to support the Turks and declared war on Russia (1854)

Ottoman Empire and Sardinia (who joined to try to get France to help them with their attempts at Italian unification joined the forces of GB and France to defeat the Russians.

Map

Outcome of War

Russia’s industries and transportation system failed to provide adequate supplies for the country’s troops.

As a result Russia lost a humiliating defeat against combined forces of France, GB, Sardinia and Ottoman Empire.

Death Toll 450,015- Russia

95,615- France

45,400- Turkey

22,182- British

2,194- Sardinia

Larger Implications of Crimean War

Seriously weakened the empires of Austria and Russia- both of which desired to maintain the Metternich system