The Origins of the Crimean War

Description

The Crimean War (1853-56) between Russia, Turkey, Britain, France and the Kingdom of Sardinia was a diplomatically preventable conflict for influence over an unstable Near and Middle East. It could have broken out in any decade between Napoleon and Wilhelm II; equally, it need never have occurred. In this masterly study, based on massive archival research, David Goldfrank argues that the European diplomatic roots of the war stretch far beyond the `Eastern Question' itself, and shows how the domestic concerns of the participants contributed to the outbreak of hostilities. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of tables List of maps Editor's Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction The Problem: I - a sick man in a sick world The Problem: II - reasons why? Part One: The Setting 1. Western Questions - The Home Fronts Europe's hegemony Ways and means of production Commerce and its ambitions Finance and its limits Governance: the western part of the West Governance: the eastern part of the West 2. Western Questions - The Projection of Power Formalities The terrestrial balance The maritime imbalance The double standard of imperialism The European system 3. The Eastern Question Foundations The Great Power breakthrough against Turkey (1767-1821) Russia's further ascent (1821-33) England's leap forward (1833-41) The wider context: the Anglo-Russian 'Great Game' (to 1847) Part Two: The Sparks 4. Counter-revolution on the March (1848-50) The contradictions of 1848 Great Power dilemmas and urges Rescuing the Ottoman and Habsburg realms A verting a war of German unification The refugee crisis: dress rehearsal for 1853? 5. Holy Places, Profane Litigation (May 1850-March 1852) The tense aftermath of the refugee crisis Rival challenges to the status quo The aborted mixed commission The ulema's deft compromise and the sultan's ambiguous pledge From sleight of hand to blatant fraud 6. The Return to Armed Diplomacy (April-November 1852) Serious complications French naval persuasion Mounting uncertainties A new 'Greek Project'? The law's delay 7. Nativity (December 1852) Montenegro's provocation: the first shots Napoleon 'III' enthroned The new Ottoman ruling and the Tsar's blank cheque Towards a fateful decision Mobilization Part Three: The Rupture 8. Preparations for Diplomatie Disaster (January-February 1853) Turkey's strong move and London's strong hand The Tsar's hare-brained schemes Vienna's gamble: Count Leiningen's mission French positioning and other matters British admonitions, Russian blinders 9. Mission Impossible: I- Menshikov vs the Chargés (March 1853) Fatal instructions Foolish intimidation Napoleon's reaction - Rose's sweet victory Menshikov's sound advice 10. Mission Impossible: II - Menshikov vs the Great Ambassador (April-May 1853) The 'Real Jockey' takes charge The 'Pig' without a 'String' The first ultimatum The return of Reshid Pasha The new team in action The final exchange: Stratford's real victory Part Four: The Twilight Zone 11. Giant Steps (May-June 1853) The logic of the situation Taking stock Escalations: Russia Escalations: Turkey Escalations: Britain Sitting pretty: Napoleon 12. Floating Projeets (June-July 1853) Imperatives for peace and war London: the English 'Convention' Paris: the Drouyn 'Note' Vienna: the Bourqueney 'Expedient' St Petersburg and Constantinople: the second ultimatum The embryo of the peace treaty 13. Sour Notes (July-August 1853) The occupation of the Principalities and Europe's conservatives The Porte's reaction: the unforeseen 'Ultimatum' The Cabinet's tentative solution: the Vienna project Strategies in conflict The Turks dig in 14. Cutting Loose (August-September 1853) Turkey: masterful modifications Europe: anxious anticipations Russia: resolute rejection Britain: violent interpretations Observations on the rise and fall of the Vienna Note Part Five: The Passage to Arms 15. The Outbreak of the Ninth Russo-Turkish War (September-October 1853) Olmütz: the Tsar feigns retreat Constantinople: the Turks declare London: the Cabinet resolves The fighting begins 16. Getting Down to Business (October-December 1853) Russia and Britain: planning the inevitable Britain and Franee: roping in Austria Russia and Turkey: the guns of Sinope Stratford vindicated: Napoleon strikes again The Turks in tow and the die cast 17. Calculated Countdown (December 1853-April 1854) Strategic planning Blunt messages Contingent neutrals A tale of three emperors From rupture to summons Enabling allianees Part Six: Conclusions and Consequences 18. The Origins of the Crimean War Personal responsibilities: I - the emperors Personal responsibilities: II - the Englishmen Less personal forces Ideas Atavism and medievalism 19. The Strange Sequel The illusions of war The logic of peace ... or ... another war averted Nationalism and imperialism triumphant Repercussions and legacies The irony of 'Sickness' Bibliography Maps Index