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