APEURO: Unit 7, 19th-Century Perspectives, Political Developments - The Crimean War and Its Aftermath

Why This Matters

The Crimean War and its aftermath are significant for understanding the larger period of the mid-19th century, particularly in the context of the AP European History theme of "Politics and Power." The war marked a turning point in the balance of power in Europe, as well as the rise of nationalism and the decline of the Concert of Europe. The war's consequences, including the Treaty of Paris and the establishment of the Red Cross, had far-reaching effects on international relations, humanitarian law, and the role of the British Empire.

Key Events & People

• The Crimean War (1853-1856): A conflict between Russia and an alliance of France, Britain, and the Ottoman Empire over control of the Holy Land and the Black Sea.
• Lord Palmerston (1784-1865): British Prime Minister who supported the war effort and advocated for British intervention in European affairs.
• Napoleon III (1808-1873): French Emperor who declared war on Russia in 1854, seeking to expand French influence in Europe.
• Florence Nightingale (1820-1910): British nurse who traveled to the Crimean Peninsula to provide medical care to British soldiers and improve sanitation conditions.
• The Charge of the Light Brigade (1854): A disastrous British military campaign in which British cavalry charged Russian artillery positions, resulting in heavy casualties.
• The Battle of Balaclava (1854): A British naval victory that secured control of the Black Sea and allowed for the evacuation of British troops from the Crimean Peninsula.
• The Treaty of Paris (1856): A peace treaty that ended the Crimean War and established the principle of neutrality in the Black Sea.
• The Red Cross (1863): A humanitarian organization founded by Henry Dunant to provide medical care and assistance to soldiers and civilians in conflict zones.
• Alexander II (1818-1881): Russian Tsar who implemented reforms and modernized the Russian military in response to the Crimean War.
• The Congress of Paris (1856): A diplomatic conference that established the principle of neutrality in the Black Sea and led to the creation of the Red Cross.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The expansion of Russian influence in the Black Sea and the Holy Land led to tensions with the Ottoman Empire and other European powers.
• Effect: The Crimean War broke out in 1853, pitting Russia against an alliance of France, Britain, and the Ottoman Empire.
• Long-term consequence: The war led to the decline of the Concert of Europe and the rise of nationalism in Europe, as well as the establishment of the Red Cross and the principle of neutrality in conflict zones.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Nationalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and sovereignty.
• *Imperialism*: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or other means.
• *Humanitarianism*: A philosophy that emphasizes the importance of human rights and dignity, particularly in conflict zones.
• *Neutrality*: A principle that requires countries to remain impartial in conflicts and not take sides.
• *Diplomacy*: The practice of conducting negotiations and negotiations between countries to resolve conflicts and achieve diplomatic goals.
• *Sanitation*: The practice of maintaining clean and healthy conditions, particularly in military camps and hospitals.
• *Casualties*: The number of people killed or wounded in a conflict or military operation.
• *Reforms*: Changes made to a system or institution to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, or fairness.
• *Modernization*: The process of updating and improving a country's military, economy, or infrastructure.
• *Treaty*: A formal agreement between countries that establishes rules and regulations for their interactions.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Crimean War was fought between Russia and the Ottoman Empire alone.
• Correction: The war was actually fought between Russia and an alliance of France, Britain, and the Ottoman Empire.
• What students often get wrong: The Treaty of Paris established the principle of neutrality in the Black Sea.
• Correction: The Congress of Paris established the principle of neutrality in the Black Sea, and the Treaty of Paris ended the Crimean War.
• What students often get wrong: Florence Nightingale was a British soldier who fought in the Crimean War.
• Correction: Florence Nightingale was a British nurse who traveled to the Crimean Peninsula to provide medical care to British soldiers.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the causes and consequences of the Crimean War, including the role of nationalism, imperialism, and humanitarianism.
• Possible evidence: The Treaty of Paris, the Congress of Paris, the writings of Florence Nightingale, and the speeches of Lord Palmerston.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the Crimean War on the balance of power in Europe and the rise of nationalism.
• Possible evidence: The writings of Napoleon III, the diplomatic correspondence of Lord Palmerston, and the military campaigns of Alexander II.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the significance of the Red Cross and the principle of neutrality in conflict zones.
• Possible evidence: The founding documents of the Red Cross, the writings of Henry Dunant, and the diplomatic correspondence of the Congress of Paris.

Quick Self?Check

1. Who was the British Prime Minister who supported the war effort in the Crimean War? Answer: Lord Palmerston. Explanation: Lord Palmerston was a strong supporter of British intervention in European affairs and advocated for British involvement in the Crimean War.
2. What was the significance of the Charge of the Light Brigade? Answer: A disastrous British military campaign. Explanation: The Charge of the Light Brigade was a disastrous British military campaign in which British cavalry charged Russian artillery positions, resulting in heavy casualties.
3. What was the outcome of the Congress of Paris? Answer: The establishment of the principle of neutrality in the Black Sea. Explanation: The Congress of Paris established the principle of neutrality in the Black Sea and led to the creation of the Red Cross.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Crimean War was fought between Russia and the Ottoman Empire alone.
• The Treaty of Paris established the principle of neutrality in the Black Sea.
• The Red Cross was founded by Henry Dunant in 1863.
• The Congress of Paris was held in 1856.
• The Charge of the Light Brigade was a disastrous British military campaign in 1854.
• Lord Palmerston was British Prime Minister from 1855 to 1858.
• Florence Nightingale was a British nurse who traveled to the Crimean Peninsula in 1853.
• Alexander II implemented reforms and modernized the Russian military in response to the Crimean War.
• The Crimean War marked a turning point in the balance of power in Europe.
• The Treaty of Paris ended the Crimean War in 1856.