The Crimean War 1854-1856

The Crimean War 1854-1856

The Crimean War which lasted from 1853 to 1856 was fought between Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, France, and Sardinia. The war was fought along the Black Sea. This war was a bitter war filled with stories to be told for centuries to come. The casualties of this war were approximately 22,000 British, a minimum 80,000 French, possibly 10,000 Turks, 2,000 Sardinians and more than 100,000 Russians. Many may ponder of the fulfillment of long term achievements of Crimean War. For sure the war did prohibit Russia from making political or military progress in Turkey.

The remembrance of the Crimean War is greatly due to the press influence. The public were very aware of the war on the Crimea in graphic detail. The electric telegraph and use of newspaper reporters made this possible. Members of Parliament gained their first knowledge of the war from the newspapers and periodicals. Photographers were very instrumental in publicizing the Crimean War through graphic and vivid photos. The Crimean War was also successful in the first skillful use of railways.

The war resulted due to the controversy surrounding the Ottoman Empire and the control of Palestinian Holy places. Russia wanted unilateral control over the Ottoman Empire and the Holy places. Britain and France were weary of the Russian control of the empire. Russian control could have a profound effect on their Middle Eastern possessions. France fought against Russia's control of the holy places by the advisement of Sultan Abd al Ð'-Majid. Russian was not pleased with the disregard of their wishes of demands. Tsar Nicholas I of Russia believed he saw another opportunity to increase Russian influence by intervention in Ottoman affairs. He was optimistic of the support of Austria, because of the help Russia had given to the Habsburg dynasty during the revolutions of 1848 to 1850.

In July, 1853, Russia reacted hastily by occupying the Ottoman vassal states of Moldavia and Walachia. After pointless and relentless negotiations, In October, the Ottomans declared war. War then seemed to break out a rapid pace. In March 1854 Britain and France had declare war, although they had already sent fleets to the Black Sea. Sardinia then declared war in January 1855. Austria remained neutral although they did force Russian troops to evacuate the vassals of Moldavia and Walachia.

In September 1854, allied troops landed in the Crimea, with the intentions of capturing Sevastopol. The Russian fortress, defended by Totleben, resisted heroically until September 1855. Allied commanders were Lord Raglan for the British and Marshal Saint-Arnaud, who was succeeded later by Marshal Canrobert, for the French. Military operations, which were equally yoked on both sides by great stubbornness, gallantry, and disregard for casualties, remained localized. The press issued much of the blame upon Lord Raglan and his staff. The commands of the soldiers were divided at the onset of war and caused internal problems as the war progressed.

The scandalous treatment of the troops, particularly the wounded, depicted by war correspondents, prompted the work of Florence Nightingale, which was perhaps the most positive result of the war. Her most famous contribution was to the soldiers of the Crimean War. She gave reports of the horrific conditions at Scutari Hospital. When she arrived in November of 1854 the hospital had a high mortality rate and abysmal hygiene. . The soldiers were dying because of inflictions of cholera, malaria, and gruesome wounds. Nightingale single handily trained 38 women volunteer nurses to aid in the treatment and care of ill and wounded soldiers. Nightingale is credited with raising patient morale and improving conditions at Scutari Hospital. Women played key roles in the Crimean war as nurses and aid to the soldiers.

One of the most significant battles was the battle of Balaclava (1854). The battle was initiated with the successful Russian attack on Turkish positions. This allowed the Russians to break through into the valley of Balaklava, where British forces were encamped. Shortly to the south of them, was the port of Balaklava which was key British supply base. The objective of the Russian advance was to disrupt the British base and attack British positions near Sevastopol from behind. The initial Russian advance into the southern valley was disgusted by the British Heavy Brigade, forcing the Russians to withdraw to their artillery, which was strategically positioned along the ridges above the valley. The Light Brigade was ordered by Raglan to "prevent the enemy carrying away the guns", a notably badly-worded instruction that prompted the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade. The Light Brigade was safe from total destruction by an intervention from the French and British regiments. The battle