Someone Had Blundered: The Crimean War

1850: the once great Ottoman Empire was now the sick man of Europe. Internal dissent from growing ethnic nationalism within the diverse country was beginning to crack the already fragile hold the Royal Family kept over their territory. Furthermore, a series of devastating wars against its neighbours have shrunk its size further and further out of Europe. Now, the Balkans were looking to host the next large uprising. To the north, the Russian Empire was striving to assert its power in Europe. While its size may have been intimidating, it also had growing instability. Russia had yet to modernize its industry and military. Their eyes gazed menacingly towards the Ottomans for a solution. Should the Russians take advantage of their dwindling rival, perhaps their prestige could be restored.

On the opposite end of the continent, France, still struggling in the aftermath of Napoleon, was looking to repair its image as a Great Power.  Seeing the Catholic Church as a potential ally, they, too, set their eyes on the Ottoman Empire in hopes of becoming protectors of Christians within its borders. Russia would not have this, as they were the chosen protectors of Christians in Ottoman territory. As France and Russia began to throw rhetoric back and forth, the British watched on in terror. The Congress of Europe was at risk of falling apart, and the balance of power in Europe was in jeopardy of going out of whack. All these events would lead to the landscape of the Crimean Peninsula turning to ash, and running red with blood.

 

Music:

The Charge of the Light Brigade by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra