Russia had long wanted to gain control of the Bosphoros Straits and the Dardenelles to gain vital access to the Mediterranean.These were controlled by Turkey which by the middle of the 19th Century was being called the 'sick man of Europe' because its empire was falling apart. The crumbling Turkish empire controlled most of the Balkan area of Europe (see the map). Nicholas hoped not only to gain sea ports but also to expand into the Balkan area. His ambitious plans, however, were checked by an alliance between Britain, France and Austria, who intervened on behalf of Turkey in 1854. By 1856 Russia had lost the war. Despite its massive resources and manpower, Russia lacked the industrial capacity to supply a modern army. It also lacked the roads and railways needed to transport men and supplies to the front line and Russian generals were more concerned about their appearance than with military skills.

Russia's defeat in the Crimean War exposed the weaknesses of the Tsarist regime and shattered the illusion that Russia was a great power. Defeat in the Crimea damaged the prestige of the tsarist system and did much to increase demands for reform within Russia.

Exercise 2.3: Quiz (interactive) How well do you know the Crimean War? Take this quick quiz on some facts.