The Crimean War. This is a look at the events which lead up to the Crimean War

Russia was known as one of the most powerful countries in Europe before the Crimea War. They had been able to put down many revolts in their country such as, the Decembrist Revolt, The Polish Revolt and The Hungarian Revolt. The Russians also thought they were a military power because they 'defeated' the French when Napoleon invaded. This all proved that they were still a powerful nation. Because of Russia's superpower status, they felt the need for more land. Russia pushed into its eastern and southern borders. Yet, in its time becoming a superpower Russia had gained many enemies, one of which was France. Louis Napoleon, the nephew of the great Napoleon Bonaparte, was still very upset that they had lost to Russia, and wanted some payback. In 1851, France, or the Catholics, had a large argument over Jerusalem and her holy monuments, with the Orthodox, or the Russians.

"The Dogs of War" - a Punch cartoon from June 17, ...

Napoleon Crossing the Alps

English: Artillery troop image on the Ottoman coat...

Louis Napoleon decided that he must go to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and persuade him to look to the Catholic's side. Nicholas was angered by this, and forcefully asked the Sultan to give him the sole right of protection over the Christian peoples in the Ottoman Empire. Of course, the Sultan denied Nicholas's request. Because of that Nicholas sent troops to both Moldavia and to Walachia. The Sultan then declared war on Russia in October of 1853.

Austria and Prussia, with the help of the British and French, write the Vienna Note. This document said that Russia must leave Moldavia and Walachia and Turkey. The battle of Sinope in November 1853 caused Britain to help France in destroying Russia's war machine. Britain was frightened by the way that Russia had run over the Turks. Anglo-French forces entered the Black sea in 1854. Russia did not comply with...