Crimean War 1853−1856 (or the Eastern War) is a conflict between the Russian Empire and coalitions of countries, the cause of which was the desire of a number of countries to gain a foothold in the Balkan Peninsula and the Black Sea, as well as to reduce the influence of the Russian Empire in this region.
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Basic information
Participants in the conflict
Almost all the leading countries of Europe became participants in the conflict. Against Russian Empire , on the side of which was only Greece (until 1854) and the vassal Principality of Megrel, a coalition consisting of:
- Ottoman Empire;
- French Empire;
- British Empire;
- Sardinian kingdom.
Support for the coalition troops was also provided by: the North Caucasian Imamate (until 1955), the Abkhazian principality (part of the Abkhazians sided with the Russian Empire and led against the coalition troops guerrilla war), Circassians.
It should also be noted that friendly neutrality to the countries of the coalition was shown by the Austrian Empire, Prussia and Sweden.
Thus, the Russian Empire could not find allies in Europe.
Numerical aspect ratio
Numerical ratio ( ground troops and fleet) at the time of the outbreak of hostilities was approximately as follows:
- Russian Empire and allies (Bulgarian Legion, Greek Legion and foreign voluntary formations) - 755 thousand people;
- coalition forces - about 700 thousand people.
From a logistical point of view, the army of the Russian Empire was significantly inferior armed forces coalition, although none of the officials and generals wanted to accept this fact . Moreover, the team, in terms of its preparedness, was also inferior to the command staff of the combined forces of the enemy.
Geography of hostilities
For four years fighting were conducted:
- in the Caucasus;
- on the territory of the Danube principalities (Balkans);
- in Crimea;
- on the Black, Azov, Baltic, White and Barents Seas;
- in Kamchatka and the Kuriles.
This geography is explained, first of all, by the fact that the opponents actively used the navy against each other (the map of hostilities is presented below).
Brief History of the Crimean War of 1853−1856
Political situation on the eve of the war
The political situation on the eve of the war was extremely acute. The main reason for this exacerbation was, first of all, the obvious weakening of the Ottoman Empire and the strengthening of the positions of the Russian Empire in the Balkans and the Black Sea. It was at this time that Greece gained independence (1830), Turkey lost its Janissary corps (1826) and fleet (1827, the Battle of Navarino), Algeria retreated to France (1830), Egypt also renounced historical vassalage (1831).
At the same time, the Russian Empire received the right to freely use the Black Sea straits, sought autonomy for Serbia and a protectorate over the Danubian principalities. By supporting the Ottoman Empire in the war with Egypt, the Russian Empire is seeking a promise from Turkey to close the straits for any ships other than Russian ones in the event of any military threat (the secret protocol was in effect until 1941).
Naturally, such a strengthening of the Russian Empire instilled a certain fear in the European powers. In particular, UK has done it all so that the London Convention on the Straits would come into force, which prevented their closure and opened up the possibility for France and England to intervene in the event of a Russian-Turkish conflict. Also, the government of the British Empire achieved from Turkey "most favored nation treatment" in trade. In fact, this meant the complete subordination of the Turkish economy.
At this time, Britain did not want to further weaken the Ottomans, as this eastern empire became a huge market in which to sell English goods. Britain was also concerned about the strengthening of Russia in the Caucasus and the Balkans, its advance into Central Asia and that is why she interfered in every possible way with Russian foreign policy.
France was not particularly interested in affairs in the Balkans, but many in the Empire, especially the new emperor Napoleon III, longed for revenge (after the events of 1812-1814).
Austria, despite the agreements and common work in the Holy Alliance, did not want the strengthening of Russia in the Balkans and did not want the formation of new states there, independent of the Ottomans.
Thus, each of the strong European states had its own reasons for unleashing (or heating up) the conflict, and also pursued its own goals, strictly determined by geopolitics, the solution of which was possible only if Russia was weakened, involved in a military conflict with several opponents at once.
Causes of the Crimean War and the reason for the outbreak of hostilities
So, the reasons for the war are quite clear:
- the desire of Great Britain to preserve the weak and controlled Ottoman Empire and through it to control the mode of operation of the Black Sea straits;
- the desire of Austria-Hungary to prevent a split in the Balkans (which would lead to unrest within the multinational Austria-Hungary) and the strengthening of Russia's positions there;
- the desire of France (or, more precisely, Napoleon III) to distract the French from internal problems and strengthen their rather shaky power.
It is clear that the main desire of all European states was to weaken the Russian Empire. The so-called Palmerston Plan (the leader of British diplomacy) provided for the actual separation of part of the lands from Russia: Finland, the Aland Islands, the Baltic states, the Crimea and the Caucasus. According to this plan, the Danubian principalities were to go to Austria. The Kingdom of Poland was to be restored, which would serve as a barrier between Prussia and Russia.
Naturally, the Russian Empire also had certain goals. Under Nicholas I, all officials and all the generals wanted to strengthen Russia's positions in the Black Sea and the Balkans. The establishment of a favorable regime for the Black Sea straits was also a priority.
The reason for the war was the conflict around the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the keys to which were the introduction of Orthodox monks. Formally, this gave them the right to "speak" on behalf of Christians around the world and dispose of the greatest Christian shrines at their own discretion.
Emperor of France Napoleon III demanded that the Turkish Sultan hand over the keys to the representatives of the Vatican. This offended Nicholas I, who protested and sent His Serene Highness Prince A. S. Menshikov to the Ottoman Empire. Menshikov was unable to achieve a positive solution to the issue. Most likely, this was due to the fact that the leading European powers had already entered into a conspiracy against Russia and in every possible way pushed the Sultan to war, promising him support.
In response to the provocative actions of the Ottomans and European ambassadors, the Russian Empire breaks off diplomatic relations with Turkey and sends troops to the Danubian principalities. Nicholas I, understanding the complexity of the situation, was ready to make concessions and sign the so-called Vienna Note, which ordered the withdrawal of troops from the southern borders and the release of Wallachia and Moldova, but when Turkey tried to dictate the terms, the conflict became inevitable. After the refusal of the emperor of Russia to sign the note with the Turkish sultan's amendments made to it, the ruler of the Ottomans announced the beginning of the war with the Russian Empire. In October 1853 (when Russia was not yet fully ready for hostilities), the war began.
The course of the Crimean War: military operations
The whole war can be divided into two large stages:
- October 1953 - April 1954 - this is directly a Russian-Turkish company; theater of military operations - the Caucasus and the Danube principalities;
- April 1854 - February 1956 - military operations against the coalition (Crimean, Azov, Baltic, White Sea and Kinburn companies).
The main events of the first stage can be considered the defeat of the Turkish fleet in the Sinop Bay by PS Nakhimov (November 18 (30), 1853).
The second stage of the war was much more eventful.
It can be said that failures in the Crimean direction led to the fact that the new Russian emperor, Alexander I. I. (Nicholas I died in 1855) decided to start peace negotiations.
It cannot be said that the Russian troops were defeated because of the commanders-in-chief. On the Danube direction, the talented prince M. D. Gorchakov commanded the troops, in the Caucasus - N. N. Muravyov, the Black Sea Fleet was led by Vice Admiral P. S. Nakhimov (who also led the defense of Sevastopol later and died in 1855), the defense of Petropavlovsk was led by V S. Zavoyko, but even the enthusiasm and tactical genius of these officers did not help in the war, which was waged according to the new rules.
Treaty of Paris
The diplomatic mission was headed by Prince A. F. Orlov. After long negotiations in Paris 18 (30).03. In 1856, a peace treaty was signed between the Russian Empire, on the one hand, and the Ottoman Empire, coalition forces, Austria and Prussia, on the other. The terms of the peace treaty were as follows:
Results of the Crimean War 1853−1856
Causes of defeat in the war
Even before the conclusion of the Paris Peace the reasons for the defeat in the war were obvious to the emperor and the leading politicians of the empire:
- foreign policy isolation of the empire;
- superior enemy forces;
- the backwardness of the Russian Empire in socio-economic and military-technical terms.
Foreign and domestic consequences of the defeat
The foreign and domestic political results of the war were also deplorable, although somewhat mitigated by the efforts of Russian diplomats. It was obvious that
- the international prestige of the Russian Empire fell (for the first time since 1812);
- the geopolitical situation and the alignment of forces in Europe have changed;
- weakened Russian influence in the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East;
- the safe state of the southern borders of the country has been violated;
- weakened positions in the Black Sea and the Baltic;
- disrupted the financial system of the country.
Significance of the Crimean War
But, despite the severity of the political situation inside and outside the country after the defeat in the Crimean War, it was she who became the catalyst that led to the reforms of the 60s of the XIX century, including the abolition of serfdom in Russia. you can find out from the link.
Crimean War 1853-1856 also called the Eastern War because of the so-called "Eastern Question", which officially served as a pretext for starting hostilities. What is the "Eastern question", as it was understood in Europe in the middleXIXcentury? This is a set of claims to Turkish possessions, stretching from the Middle Ages, from the time of the Crusades, to the lands associated with the ancient shrines of Christianity. Initially, they meant only Palestine and Syria. After the capture of Constantinople and the Balkans by the Turks, eastern question"The plans of the European powers began to be called to assert their dominion over all the lands of the former Byzantium under the pretext of" the liberation of Christians ".
In the middleXIXcentury Russian Emperor NicholasIdeliberately aggravated relations with Turkey. The pretext for this was the transfer by the Turkish government of jurisdiction over some Christian churches in Jerusalem to the Catholic mission, which was under the auspices of France. For Nicholas, this was a violation of a long tradition, according to which Turkey recognized the Russian autocrat as the patron of all Christians on its territory, and the Orthodox confession enjoyed an advantage there over other Christian denominations.
Politics of NicholasIin relation to Turkey has repeatedly changed. In 1827, the Russian squadron, together with the Anglo-French squadron, defeated the Turkish fleet in Navarino Bay under the pretext of protecting the rebellious Greeks. This event served as a pretext for Turkey to declare war on Russia (1828-1829), which was once again successful for Russian weapons. As a result, Greece gained independence, and Serbia gained autonomy. But NicholasIhe feared the collapse of Turkey and in 1833 threatened the Egyptian Pasha Muhammad Ali with war if he did not stop the movement of his army to Istanbul. Thanks to this, NicholasImanaged to conclude a profitable agreement with Turkey (in Uskar-Inkelessi) on the free navigation of Russian ships, including military ones, through the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles.
However, by the 1850s, Nicholas had a plan to divide Turkey with other powers. First of all, he tried to interest the Austrian Empire in this, which in 1849 was saved from collapse by the Russian army, which suppressed the revolution in Hungary, but stumbled upon a blank wall. Then NicholasIturned to England. At a meeting with the British ambassador in St. Petersburg, Hamilton Seymour, in January 1853, the tsar expressed a plan to divide the Ottoman Empire. Moldavia, Wallachia and Serbia passed under the protectorate of Russia. From the Balkan possessions of Turkey, Bulgaria stood out, which was also supposed to form a state under the protectorate of Russia. England received Egypt and the island of Crete. Constantinople turned into a neutral zone.
NicholasIhe was sure that his proposal would meet with the approval and participation of England, but he miscalculated cruelly in this. His assessment of the international situation on the eve of the Crimean War turned out to be erroneous, and Russian diplomacy was to blame for this, for decades praising the tsar with reassuring reports about the unchanging respect enjoyed by Russia in the West. The Russian ambassadors in London (Baron F.I. Brunnov), Paris (Count N.D. Kiselev), Vienna (Baron P.K. Meyendorf) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count K.V. Nesselrode managed to overlook the rapprochement between England and France and the growing hostility of Austria towards Russia.
NicholasIhoped for a rivalry between England and France. At that time, the king considered his main opponent in the East, inciting Turkey to resist, France. French ruler Louis Bonaparte, who in 1852 proclaimed himself emperor under the name of NapoleonIII, dreamed of settling scores with Russia, and not only because of his famous uncle, but also because he considered himself a deeply offended Russian tsar, who did not recognize his imperial title for a long time. England's interests in the Middle East brought her closer to France, as opposed to Russia's intentions.
Nevertheless, being sure of the benevolence or cowardice of the Western powers, NicholasIin the spring of 1853 he sent Prince A.S. Menshikov with the task of negotiating "holy places" and the privileges of the Orthodox Church in Turkey from a position of strength. Menshikov made the break in relations with Turkey desired by the tsar, and in June of the same year, NikolaiIbegan to send Russian troops to Moldavia and Wallachia, which were under the protectorate of Turkey.
For their part, France and England, confident in their own strength, were also looking for a pretext for war. Both powers did not smile at all about the strengthening of Russia's position in the East, and they were not at all going to cede influence to it in Turkey, which was sprawling at the seams. British diplomacy very skillfully showed the appearance that it did not want an aggravation of relations with Russia. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the British ambassador in Constantinople, Stretford-Ratcliffe, vigorously incited the Porte to intransigence Menshikov in the negotiations (which, however, was easy). When England finally dropped the mask, NikolaiIunderstood everything, but it was already too late.
The tsar decided to occupy the Danubian principalities in order to secure his demands on Turkey, but, as in 1827, he did not declare war yet, leaving it to the Turks (which happened in October 1853). However, unlike the times of the Battle of Navarino, the situation was now completely different. Russia found itself in international isolation. England and France immediately demanded that Russia withdraw its troops from the Danube principalities. The Vienna court was more and more inclined towards Russia's ultimatum about the same. Only Prussia remained neutral.
NicholasIbelatedly decided to intensify military action against Turkey. Having abandoned the landing operation near Constantinople at the very beginning, he ordered the troops to cross the Danube and transfer the war to the Ottoman Empire itself (to the territory of present-day Bulgaria). At the same time, the Russian Black Sea Fleet destroyed the Turkish one in the roadstead of Sinop and burned the city. In response to this, England and France entered their fleets into the Black Sea. March 27, 1854 they declared war on Russia.
The main reason for the Crimean War was the desire of the great European powers to assert themselves at the expense of the decrepit Ottoman Empire and prevent their rivals from doing so. In this regard, Russia, England and France were driven by similar motives. England and France were able to agree on common interests, while Russia failed to attract any ally. The unsuccessful foreign policy combination for Russia, in which the war began and went on for her, was due to an inadequate assessment by her ruling circles of the international situation, as well as the forces and influence of Russia.
The main causes of the Eastern (Crimean) War of 1853-1856
In 1853, the Russian Empire, under the leadership of Nicholas 1, entered into another war, which went down in history as the Crimean. This war ended in defeat for Russia.
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Causes of the war |
Escalation of the Eastern Question Contradictions between Russia, Turkey and European states due to the regime of the straits; Assistance from Russia to the national liberation movement of the Balkan peoples in the struggle against the Ottoman Empire; The policy of England and France, aimed at weakening the influence of Russia in the Balkans and the Middle East. |
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Reason for war |
The religious dispute between the Catholic (France) and Orthodox (Russia) churches about their rights to holy places in Palestine, which was part of the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish Sultan, relying on the support of England and France, refused to guarantee Russia's rights. In response to this, Nicholas I in June 1853 sent troops into the Danubian principalities - Moldavia and Wallachia |
The main stages of the Crimean War
Timeline of hostilities
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Manifesto on the occupation of the Danube principalities by Russian troops |
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Manifesto for war with Turkey |
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The defeat of the Turkish fleet under the command of Osman Pasha at Sinop by the squadron of Admiral P.S. Nakhimov |
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The defeat of the Turks in the Caucasus. Entry into the war of England and France on the side of Turkey. |
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The squadron of England and France entered the Black Sea. |
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Russian bombardment of Silistria |
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Crossing with the battle of Russian troops across the Danube near Galati. Brailov and Ishmael |
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Repulse of the attack of the allied fleet on the Petropavlovsk port |
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Bombardment of Odessa by the allied fleet |
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The beginning of the siege of Silistria by Russian troops |
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Bombardment of the Aland fortifications by an allied squadron in the Baltic |
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Removal of the siege of Silistria and the withdrawal of Russian troops to the left side |
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Demonstration of the allied fleet at Kronstadt |
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Attack of two French ships on the Solovetsky Monastery in the White Sea |
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The entry of Russian troops into Bayazet |
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Allied landings on the Åland Islands |
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Reflection of the secondary attack of the allied fleet on Petropavlovsky |
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The landing of the allied army in the Crimea near Evpatoria |
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Battle on the Alma River in Crimea |
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The beginning of the siege of Sevastopol |
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First bombardment of Sevastopol |
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Battle of Inksrman in Crimea |
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Unsuccessful assault on Evpatoria by Russian troops |
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Second bombardment of Sevastopol |
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Capture of Kerch by Allied Forces |
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Third bombardment of Sevastopol |
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Fourth bombardment of Sevastopol |
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Battle on the Chernaya River in Crimea |
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Fifth bombing of Sevastopol |
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Unsuccessful attempt of the Turks to break out of Kars |
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The last bombardment of Sevastopol |
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Storming of Sevastopol. The capture of the Malakhov Kurgan by the allied army. The garrison of Sevastopol moves to the North side |
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Entry of Allied Forces into Sevastopol |
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The assault on Kars and the surrender of the Turkish garrison |
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Conclusion of the Paris Peace Treaty |
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Results of the Eastern Crimean War
Map of military operations of the Eastern Crimean War
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A source of information:
1. History in tables and diagrams. / Edition 2e, - St. Petersburg: 2013.
2. History of Russia in tables: 6-11th grade. / P.A. Baranov. - M.: 2011.
The Crimean War corresponded to the long-standing dream of Nicholas I to get the Black Sea straits into Russian possession, which Catherine the Great dreamed of. This was contrary to the plans of the Great European Powers, which intended to oppose Russia and help the Ottomans in the coming war.
The main causes of the Crimean War
Story Russian-Turkish wars incredibly long and controversial, however, the Crimean War is perhaps the brightest page in this history. There were many reasons for the Crimean War of 1853-1856, but they all converged on one thing: Russia sought to destroy the dying empire, while Turkey opposed this and was going to use military operations to suppress the liberation movement of the Balkan peoples. The plans of London and Paris did not include the strengthening of Russia, so they expected to weaken it, at best, separating Finland, Poland, the Caucasus and Crimea from Russia. In addition, the French still remembered the humiliating loss of the war with the Russians during the reign of Napoleon.
Rice. 1. Map of the fighting of the Crimean War.
When Emperor Napoleon III ascended the throne, Nicholas I did not consider him a legitimate ruler, since after Patriotic War and the Foreign Campaign, the Bonaparte dynasty was excluded from possible contenders for the throne in France. Russian emperor in a congratulatory letter, he addressed Napoleon as “my friend”, and not “my brother”, as etiquette required. It was a personal slap in the face of one emperor to another.
Rice. 2. Portrait of Nicholas I.
Briefly about the causes of the Crimean War of 1853-1856, we will collect information in the table.
The immediate reason for the fighting was the question of control in Bethlehem of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The Turkish sultan handed over the keys to the Catholics, which offended Nicholas I, which led to the outbreak of hostilities through the entry of Russian troops into the territory of Moldova.
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Rice. 3. Portrait of Admiral Nakhimov, a participant in the Crimean War.
Reasons for Russia's defeat in the Crimean War
Russia took an unequal battle in the Crimean (or as printed in the Western press - Eastern) war. But this was not the only reason for the future defeat.
The Allied forces greatly outnumbered the Russian soldiers. Russia fought with dignity and was able to achieve the maximum during this war, although it lost it.
Another reason for the defeat was the diplomatic isolation of Nicholas I. He pursued a flamboyant imperialist policy, which caused irritation and hatred on the part of his neighbors.
Despite the heroism of the Russian soldier and some officers, theft took place among the highest ranks. A vivid example of this is A.S. Menshikov, who was nicknamed the "traitor".
An important reason is the military-technical backwardness of Russia from the countries of Europe. So, when sailing ships were still in service in Russia, the French and English fleets already made full use of the steam fleet, which showed itself with better side during the calm. Allied soldiers used rifled guns that fired more accurately and farther than Russian smoothbore guns. The situation was similar in artillery.
The classic reason was the low level of infrastructure development. Railways did not yet lead to the Crimea, and the spring thaws killed the road system, which reduced the provision of the army.
The result of the war was the Treaty of Paris, according to which Russia did not have the right to have a navy on the Black Sea, and also lost its protectorate over the Danube principalities and returned South Bessarabia to Turkey.
What have we learned?
Although the Crimean War was lost, it showed Russia the ways of future development and pointed out weaknesses in the economy, military affairs, and the social sphere. There was a patriotic upsurge throughout the country, and the heroes of Sevastopol were made national heroes.
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During the reign Nicholas I Russia entered the Crimean War. This war from 1853 to 1861. with a coalition of a number of states was caused by interest in the territories of the Russian Empire on Caucasus, Black Sea and Balkan Peninsula. great empires France, Ottoman state(Turkey and controlled regions), United Kingdom and Sardinian kingdom united against Russia for the right to world domination.
Causes and causes of war
Clashes between Russia and Turkey XIX were constant. States competed and divided the lands, markets and areas of influence in the Middle East. Weakening Turkey during this period was under influence strong states - France and Great Britain, and was unfriendly with Russia.
Lands legally reclaimed by the Russians in the Crimea and the Caucasus to late XVIII in. were in constant dispute with Turkey. Therefore, historians consider the following to be the main causes of the eastern conflict in 1853:
- Turkey wished get lost lands Crimea, the Caucasus and the north of the Black Sea region.
- Russian empire required opening Russian fleet of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles.
- Russia rendered peoples in the Balkans (Christians, Slavs) support, which greatly resented Turkey, which considered such interference in its state affairs unacceptable.
- The Turkish Sultan wanted regain influence on the Balkan peoples, lost in favor of Russia.
Tsar Nicholas I was little bothered by the support of Turkey by other countries. He believed that France had weakened economically after the bourgeois revolution in 1848., and you can be friends with the UK by giving her Cyprus and Egypt. The Turks were put forward straight ultimatum which they ignored. The plans of the king were wrong, the countries of Europe called on Turkey to act, promising her military assistance and financial support.
Important! The war in the Crimea, which lasted from 1853 to 1856, was started by the Russian Empire from the moment of crossing the Danube border, which belongs to the territory of Turkey. Russia lost the war.
Event participants
Attempts by Russian diplomats to negotiate with the Ottomans on the division of spheres of influence in the Middle East did not give a positive result. The ultimatum was premise to the upcoming war. Governments were drawn into the conflict allied countries Turkey and clergy Orthodox and Catholic denominations. Christian churches couldn't share among themselves Holy places in Palestine, since these territories were under Russian and French patronage.
During this period the Sultan donated the temple of Bethlehem Jerusalem of the Catholic diocese, which caused dissatisfaction with the top of the Orthodox Church. Tsar in ultimatum, using religious conflict, demanded the transfer of the temple in Jerusalem to the Orthodox diocese.
Turkey refused. Admiral Menshikov, appointed by his tsar extraordinary envoy, couldn't do anything. Diplomatic demands of Russia and all attempts to negotiate were rejected.
Then the Russian troops in June 1853. violated the borders of the Ottoman Empire, stopping at Moldova and Wallachia(Danubian Principality). Sultan Abdulmejid demanded the withdrawal of troops from their territories.
The king and the sultan had enough time from June to the end of October 1853. peacefully agree on mutual claims, but they did not do this, but were engaged in buildup of military power.
At the end of October 1853. Ottoman Empire declared war on Russia. Having enlisted the support of Great Britain and France, Turkey gave permission for the British and French squadron to enter the Dardanelles, later the kingdom of Sardinia joined the alliance, pursuing its own interests.
Important! The allied countries of the Ottomans showed strength and power, they were not satisfied with the growing role of the Russians in the Middle East, the Balkan Peninsula and Europe. The goal of the coalition was to fight to reduce the influence of the Russians in the territories under their control, weakening and surviving Russia from world markets while simultaneously seizing Russian border lands.
The course of events of the Crimean War
When was the Crimean War? At first, hostilities were defensive character. Squadron of the Russian fleet under the command P. S. Nakhimova operated successfully. The Turkish fleet was blocked in ports, and in the famous battle of Sinop November 18, 1853. Turkish squadron was completely destroyed. This victory was important, the Russian fleet won over dominance in the Black Sea, depriving the Ottoman troops from the Caucasus on support from the sea.
Ottoman Empire showed weakness, its allies - France and Great Britain early January 1854. entered the war, formed allied fleet. Since the protest of the Russian Empire about violation of the International Convention about the straits was rejected, Russian government tore apart all diplomatic relations with coalition countries.
Opponents began to supervise expanses of the Black Sea 90 ships(there were only Russians 26 ). The coalition had clear advantage.
After the Battle of Sinop, hostilities were transferred by the enemy to the lands of the Crimea. Coalition landed troops near Evpatoria (September 1854.). Russian army led by A. S. Menshikov at Alma river lost the battle and retreated to Bakhchisaray.
arose threat of capture strategically important sea point - the city of Sevastopol, since the path for the enemy from the land was opened. The Russian command decided to sink part of the ships in the large bay of the city in order to prevent the coalition ships from entering. Rumors were circulated that the entrance to the bay mined. This reached the ears of the enemy infiltrators. There was no entry from the side of the large bay.
Opponents approached Sevastopol from the south side, which was previously well fortified. With September 13, 1854. on August 28, 1855. famous Sevastopol defense, which lasted 349 days. The city was bombed and stormed many times. The defense was heroic: 40 thousandth Russian army held back the attack 140 thousand enemy army.
Attempts to attack and assault the Russian army led by Menshikov were a failure (the battle at Balaklava and Inkerman). became commander-in-chief M. Gorchakov.
At the same time, from the side of the Black Sea, the Allies subjected bombardment and shelling Odessa, but received worthy rebuff, despite the fact that they disabled all Russian batteries that managed to prove themselves in battle. Odessa was of interest to the coalition not only as an important strategic point, but, above all, as a major food point. It was also a distraction from the main invasion site. There were battles and Danube river.
Summing up, it is worth noting that the course of the war in Crimea had 2 main stages:
- October 1853 - April 1854;
Declaration of war. Were formed 3 fronts: in the Crimea, on the Danube lands and the Caucasus. During this period there was Sinop battle.
- April 1854 - February 1856.
Joining the war British-French troops. The coalition in many ways outnumbered Russian army of Russia, which significantly influenced the course of the war. The period includes Odessa battle, heroic Sevastopol defense, the landing of the enemy on the Crimean land, their treacherous fruitless attack from the North side ( Battle of the Solovetsky Monastery and in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, on the Aland Islands).
Important! Despite the victories of the army until 1854, the capture of the Kars fortress (1855) in Turkey, Russia lost the important Crimean battles.
Map of military operations
The main military battles and the concentration of the coalition were in the Crimean lands (hence the name of the war).
The main key points of the map of military operations in the war were:
- battle of sinop on sailing ships (passed 1853 November). The Russian army won a victory that raised military morale;
- attack on the city of Odessa (1854 April 10), its bombardment, reflection of the attack. Russian port of the south, considered the main one, survived. The army dealt a good blow to the Anglo-French troops, pushing them back. The coalition went to the Crimean peninsula;
- fighting on the Danube (1853—1856 gg. d.) were successful, but by decision of the leadership, the Russian army remained on the Left Bank of the river and lifted the siege from Silistria;
- landing of 50,000 coalition troops near Varna in Bulgaria (July 1854.). An attack was planned on Bessarabia, where the Russian army was stationed, in order to drive it out of there. But due to the cholera epidemic, the battle did not take place, and the opponents headed for the Crimea;
- Caucasian battles(1853-1856):
- Near the village Kyuruk-Dara(in Armenia), where the Turks and the British were defeated.
- For the Turkish fortress of Kars (June-November 1855.).
- Heroic defense of the city of Sevastopol (1854-1855.).
- Allied Occupation. This battle was lost, but served as the impetus for the end of the war. The French, British and Sardinians entered the city.
In addition to those listed, battles took place in the Crimea: on the rivers Alma and Black; near , Inkerman, the city of Evpatoria but they were all unsuccessful for the Russians and did not help lift the siege of Sevastopol.
In addition to the Crimean ones, there were fights between rivals in distant Russian regions: in Kamchatka(Peter and Paul Defense) - 2 assaults, in the waters White and Barents Seas. The allies also tried break through the Baltic. The coalition, having concentrated forces in the south, wanted to strike Russia from the north in order to weaken the state. This attempt was failed, and the Russian fleet with success repulsed all attacks.
Important! Attacking from the Baltic side, the coalition hoped for the support of Finland, Denmark, Sweden and even Austria. But none of these states actually began to help them.
What ended the Crimean War - results and consequences
To 1856. military and economic capabilities of all parties to the conflict have been exhausted. There was a lack of weapons, food, ammunition. In the Russian state began anti-serf mood and activation liberal democratic opposition.
AT 1855. (February) from influenza complications Emperor Nicholas I died. New king Alexander II wanted to end the war with the least losses and was forced to make concessions. Therefore, at the beginning March 1856. the belligerents have signed Treaty of Paris. The war has come the end.
What kind consequences of the Crimean War for Russia?
According to the agreement, Russia undertook:
- Take back Kars Fortress Turkey in exchange for the city of Sevastopol.
- Refuse patronage Danube lands, transfer certain lands of the mouth of the Danube to Moldavia. The Danube was declared a free border navigable river.
- Black Sea declared neutral, as a result of which Turkey and Russia stop developing the flotilla and building coastal fortifications in this area.
- Besides, Bosphorus and Dardanelles will be for Russians closed. They were also banned from any defensive structures in the Baltic Sea area.
The defeat of the Russian Empire in this war showed severe backwardness states from Western countries in the area economy and armaments, revealed errors in diplomatic policy, too large a bureaucracy, unable to prepare the country for military action.
After defeat learned all the mistakes and inconsistency in battle tactics, the fleet was re-equipped and sailing ships were replaced with steam ones, it was gradually re-equipment.
Important! The results of the Crimean War contributed to the implementation of important economic, social and military reforms in Russia.
Heroes of the Crimean War
Russian people of all classes fought heroically all years of the war, regardless of rank, estate and profession. Everyone who was involved in the defense of Sevastopol is considered heroes.
Urban defense has become important key point in Crimea. Here a large role belonged to the best military leaders - V. A. Kornilov(commander of the defense of the city, died from a bullet in the head), V. I. Istomin, P. S. Nakhimov(died during the defense of Sevastopol).
The city was defended many residents. The women of the city, under the battle roars and the fire of the enemy, brought food and water to the fighters, made dressings, repaired things. The first nurses appeared, whose names are known to everyone, these are - Dashi Sevastopolskaya, Praskovya Grafova and many other girls.
Engineer E. I. Totleben organized the construction of forts, fortifications, trenches, strengthening redoubts. All this was done fast, on the run. southern part fortified so well that the opponents at first did not dare to storm, and all their sorties were fruitless.
Sailor P. Cat distinguished by resourcefulness, courage and boldness. In addition to being active in battle, he made 18 sorties into enemy locations. In the name of P. Cats named the street in Sevastopol and opened a monument.
The famous doctor N. I. Pirogov saved thousands of soldiers. The operations were carried out in the field, but everything was organized in such a way that the surgeon could provide assistance and perform operations for days.
Famous writer L. N. Tolstoy also participated in the defense of the city. Many years later, he described all the events of the Crimean War in his “ Sevastopol stories».
But I would especially like to point out Admiral of the Russian Fleet P. S. Nakhimov who commanded. In addition, all naval and land victories at the beginning of the war were under his command. The name of the deceased admiral is streets, Russian sea vessels, as well as military schools Sevastopol and St. Petersburg.
Important! In memory of the admiral - the hero of the Crimean War of 1944, the Nakhimov Order of 2 degrees was established, as well as a medal (1944).
Watch a video about the Crimean War of 1853-1856: