|
Description:
|
|
In the 1800s, the
Ottoman Empire was instructed by both France and Russia to protect
Catholic and Orthodox Christians that were within its empire. These two
instructions conflicted and the Ottomans chose to side with France.
Seeing an opportunity to limit Russian expansion, Britain, Austria and
Prussia also support the "Allies" (France, Ottomans). This angered
Russia and it invaded the Danubian Principalities in 1853, as well as
destroyed the Ottoman Black Sea fleet at the Battle of Sinop.The
Allies then sent an ultimatum (which was accepted by the Russians) but
didn't stop the attack. They landed on the Crimean Peninsula and began
the Siege of Sevastopol (the Russian naval base). Twice, the Russians
tried to break out, including once at the Battle of Bacalava. This
battle witnessed the famous Charge of the Light Brigade (which ended in
a slaughter of British cavalrymen). Eventually, the Russians
surrendered and the Crimean War ended.Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General MagazineFor more information, read:The Guinness Book of Military Blunders by Geoffrey ReganMilitary History Magazine (April 2006): Crimean War Siegehttp://www.crimeanwar.org/cwrsentry.htmlhttp://www.victorianweb.org/history/crimea/immcauses.html |