The Crimean War
...gratitude owed, internal interests take precedent over these alliances. As the five powers of Russia, Prussia, England, France, and Austria see the once great Ottoman Empire in turmoil they each see their own opportunity to gain a large piece of her land if she falls. Breaking established order and agreement, the European powers sought self-interest and gain causing the Crimean War and in turn establishing new, short-lived alliances.
As he had on other occasions, Nicholas I tried again in 1853 to get an understanding with England about the position of Turkey and to prevent reconciliation between England and France. The Russians would not tolerate the establishment of the English in Constantinople, but did not want to annex the city either. Temporary occupation by Russia might, however, be necessary to secure Russia's aim of finally getting secure outlet from the Black Sea. In discussions with Foreign Minister Russell of Britain Russia suggested an independent Moldavia and Wallachia, a Serbia under Russian protection, and an independent Bulgaria. The English were to get Egypt and Crete. The Austrians could establish themselves on the Adriatic.
Russell rejected the offer and said that France would have to be consulted on the matter. Nicholas I, however, was under the erroneous impression that some sort of new system existed as a result of Nesselrode's Memorandum of 1844, which had suggested an arrangement with regard to the Straits. This particular memorandum and the substance of the current diplomatic conversations with British Ambassador Seymour in St. Petersburg were published by Britain and touted as proof that "dark ambitions of a foreign despot" were endangering the peace of Europe (Chesney, 52-55).
The Franco-Russian dispute over the holy places in Palestine was the immediate cause of the Crimean War. At the time Turkey controlled Palestine, Egypt, and...
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