It was first and foremost the embodiment of a ‘modern war’, using new technologies that would later characterize the wars of the next century.
The spark that set off the war was religious tension between Catholics and the Orthodox believers, including Russians, over access to Jerusalem and other places under Turkish rule that were considered sacred by both Christian sects.
In July 1853, Russia occupied the Danubian Principalities (Moldavia and Walachia) to pressure Istanbul, but this threatened Austria’s economic lifeline - the Danube.
In June 1854, British and French armies concentrated at Varna on the Black Sea with a view to supporting the Turks.
On 20 September, the Allies attacked and, despite confused leadership, the British stormed the main Russian position. The Russians retreated, having lost 5,000 men. The Allies had lost 3,000.
On 30th March 1856, the Crimean War was formally brought to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The main agreement did manage to create some tangible guidelines which included forcing Russia to demilitarize the Black Sea. This agreement was between the Tsar and the Sultan who maintained that no arsenal could be established on the coastline.
The human cost was immense, 25,000 British, 100,000 French and up to a million Russians died, almost all of disease and neglect. The war weakened the Imperial Russian Army, drained the treasury and undermined Russia's influence in Europe.
Crimean War
