Results, impact, importance of the Crimean War.
Results, impact, importance of the Crimean War.
Results, impact, importance of the Crimean War.
Considering the significance of the Crimean War in European history, historian Lord Cromer has referred to the Crimean War as the "watershed in the history of Europe". On the other hand, Robert Morier has commented - the Crimean War was a completely pointless war among the organized wars of that time. Lord Salisbury has expressed a similar opinion. In his words - "England put her money on the wrong horse."
However, although historians disagree about the importance of the Crimean War, both the direct and indirect results of the Crimean War are relevant.
Direct results of the Crimean War:-
1. Treaty of Paris:-
The Crimean War ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1856. The terms of this treaty were -
(a) Russia returned the provinces of Moldavia and Wallachia to Turkey.
(b) Russia abandoned its claim to the maintenance of the Christian subjects of Turkey.
(c) The Black Sea was kept neutral by denying the dominance of any single power.
(d) The Danube River was declared an international river; as a result, equal rights of all states over the Danube River were established.
(e) Turkey recognized the autonomy of Serbia.
(f) Russia returned Bessarabia to Turkey.
2. Diplomatic and political defeat of Russia:-
The Treaty of Paris clearly prevented the progress of Russia. Earlier, Russia had occupied the Turkish provinces of Moldavia and Wallachia, but due to the defeat in the Crimean War, both provinces were lost to Russia. Russia was forced to withdraw all the fortresses and military camps in the Black Sea region. Russia dreamed of strengthening itself in the Near East with Turkey as its center - but it ended in failure.
3. Protection of Turkey's political interests:-
With the Treaty of Paris, Turkey was temporarily freed from Russian aggression. Turkey was included in the European Union. The European powers had their own interests centered around Turkey. They promised to provide political security to Turkey. Turkey, freed from political anxiety, got the opportunity to focus on internal reforms.
Indirect results of the Crimean War:-
4. Beginning of the social and political reforms in Russia:-
The Crimean War brought about some significant changes in the political and social life of Russia. Russia blamed its old regime and aversion to reform as one of the reasons for its defeat in the Crimean War. As a result, some important progressive reforms were implemented in Russia. Tsar Alexander abolished serfdom in Russia in 1861.
5. Change in Russia's view on Europe:-
The defeat in the Crimean War led to a change in Russia's view and policy towards Europe. Although the Russian Tsar was the main supporter of the Vienna Conference, the European powers took away Russia's conquered territories through the Paris Conference. Russia's progress in the Black Sea region was also prevented. As a result, Russia turned its back on Europe and adopted a policy of expanding its empire in Asia.
6. Russia's Asian policy:-
After turning its back on Europe, Russia occupied various regions in Asia. Some parts of Mongolia, the Caucasus region, Samarkand, Bukhara - etc. regions were included in Russia. In addition, the Russian army advanced to Afghanistan and there was a fear of a Russian attack on India.
7. Increase in the political status of Napoleon III:-
As a result of the victory of the Allies in the Crimean War, the political status and importance increased greatly of France and the French Emperor Napoleon III. France emerged as the best military power in all of Europe. Napoleon III was elevated to the status of a controller in all areas of Europe. In fact, Napoleon III wanted to break the Vienna Treaty by strengthening France.
8. Huge losses for England:-
England suffered huge losses in the Crimean War. England spent a lot of money in the war and England became indebted. England became a weak economy throughout Europe. Although the Allies won, since England did not benefit directly, England's prestige in Europe was reduced after the Crimean War.
9. Establishment of Italian unity:-
As an indirect result of the Crimean War, the establishment of Italian unity was possible. Since Italy joined the Crimean War as an ally, after the war, the French Emperor Napoleon III took the side of Piedmont in the Italian unification movement led by Cavour. Cavour succeeded in presenting the Italian problem as a problem of the whole of Europe at the Paris Conference and with the help of the European powers, Cavour wrested Italy's freedom from Austria.
10. Establishment of German unity: -
Since Prussia had taken a neutral position in the Crimean War, the Tsar of Russia was pleased with Prussia. On the other hand, the Tsar was angry with Austria because Austria had acted against Russia. So when Bismarck began preparing for war with Austria to establish a unified German state, Russia remained neutral in the Austro-Prussian War to support Bismarck. As a result, Bismarck easily defeated a weakened Austria and completed the unification of Germany.
11. Spread of Balkan Nationalism:-
The results of the Crimean War encouraged the Balkan nationalists. The Balkan nationalists organized with new enthusiasm and their demand for independence became stronger. In this context, Cromer said - A fresh movement was set on foot towards Balkan reconstruction. In fact, Cromer mentioned the Crimean War as the only reason behind the emergence of Balkan nationalism.
12. International War Policy:-
After the Crimean War, the European powers adopted a novel and effective method to control the war. It is decided that before the European powers engage in war with each other, an international meeting will be called and there an attempt will be made to resolve all kinds of disputes through talks.
Finally, it can be said that the impact of the Crimean War on the history of Europe was immediate; not far-reaching. However, the Crimean War indirectly led to the unification of Italy and Germany, and Napoleon III tried to break the Treaty of Vienna - these events cannot be ignored.
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