Date: October 17th, 2023 

It is not an exaggeration to say that Europe was no stranger to wars during the 19th century. This was largely due to the constant religious and political tensions brewing between nations, coupled with their widespread desires for dominance. Numerous conflicts unfolded during this time, but today, our focus turns to the Crimean War. This leads me to… 

On this day 169 years ago, French and British troops launched the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War.  

The Crimean War spanned three years and claimed over 650,000 lives as France, Turkey, Great Britain (known as the Allies) and the Ottoman Empire clashed with Russia. Interestingly, the war is considered to be “the first modern technological conflict,” with telegraph lines and mass-produced rifles used for the first time. Similar to many wars of that era, this conflict emerged from brewing political tensions and religious disagreements.   

Tsar Nicholas I of Russia was eager to demonstrate his recently established military strength, with the goal of firmly establishing Russia as a European superpower, following decades of turmoil in his nation. He set his sights on the already-weakened Ottoman Empire, recognizing it as an easy target and a means to expand his influence into the Middle East.  

Tensions flared between Catholics and Orthodox believers over their access to sacred lands such as Jerusalem and other places which were under Turkish rule. The Ottoman Empire granted the French Roman Catholics privileges to Jerusalem, however, Russian Orthodox believers were denied said access. Nicholas demanded access, asserting his role as the absolute protector of Orthodox Christians, yet the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire denied both the access and his self-proclaimed title of protector. In response to this, Nicholas invaded in 1853 and thus, the Crimean War began. 

Great Britian, growing uneasy about the aggressive military force of the Russians, joined the war in 1854, aiming to prevent further Russian expansion and preserve the fragile balance of power. France, concerned about its own trade routes through the region and seeking retribution for Napoleon’s semi-recent defeat at the hands of the Russian, also entered the war in 1854. 

Despite an initial defeat on the Crimean Peninsula, the Allies headed to Sevastopol for what they hoped to be a three-month siege. However, the fighting ultimately endured for almost a year. During the siege, both sides suffered heavy causalities and substantial setbacks. The Allies lacked the necessary heavy artillery to break through the Russian defenses, and the Russians encountered difficulties in accessing their necessary supplies and ammunition. The onset of winter brought additional hardships and heavy casualties to both sides. Nevertheless, the Allies prevailed and ultimately overtook the city. 

After lengthy bombardments and the impending threat of Austria joining the Allies, Russia surrendered in the summer of 1855. The Treaty of Paris was signed, forcing Russia to relinquish the seized land and demilitarize the Black Sea. Unfortunately, the treaty did little to establish peace, as tensions between the Russians and Turks continued for decades to come. 

Source:

“Crimean War – Summary, Facts & Causes.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 5 Aug. 2021, www.history.com/topics/european-history/crimean-war.