The Ottoman Empire

The war between the Ottoman Empire and Russia resulted from religious problems superficially. Russia put forward protection of “the holy place” in Ottoman Empire. This demand was refused by Ottoman Empire Sudan of Constantinople. Catholicism of France and British Protestant were also going against Russia because Russia built strongholds in Palestine. Russia took military action as the reason that was refused by Sudan. In 1853 Russia broke off the relationship with the Ottoman Empire, and began to capture the Turkey dependency in Danube valley.

The real cause of the war was the gradual collapse of the internal the Ottoman Empire. Russian thought that this was a good opportunity to expand power in Europe; especially it was a good chance to access to the Mediterranean and occupy the Balkans. The governance of the Ottoman Empire on the Balkans was obviously crumbling at that time; and Russia was seeking to the right of control Canakkale Channel and Istanbul Channel. Britain and France fought against Russia's expansion in order to maintain their interests and powers in Southeastern Europe; and they did not want Russia to occupy those strategic positions.  

The Crimean war was the first modern war in the world history. Today most people have forgotten the war, but it changed the status and relations between European powers in terms of military and political. It was the second significant event after Vienna conference in 1815.

 It was the first time when modern armored ships and explosive bombs were used in Crimean War. It was also the first trench war and still war in history. Cable was applied in the war and they used train to transport supplies and reinforcements for the first time.

War correspondents could report the situation to the home newspaper instantly on the same date. A British officer’s mistake caused about 900 British cavalry to be killed in a less than 20 minutes in the attacks. London Times reported that loss at that night and set off a crisis in Britain. In addition, reporters also used the photography to record the war and heroic deeds for the first time.