Crimea : the last crusade

The Crimean War, a pivotal conflict of the mid-19th century, resulted in the deaths of at least 800,000 men and saw Russia facing a powerful coalition of Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire. Driven by territorial ambitions and fears of the Ottoman Empire's collapse, the war was also fueled by a fervent belief among the Tsar and his ministers that they were on a crusade to protect Orthodox Christians and control the Holy Land. This conflict was marked by deep-seated hatreds, particularly the pervasive Russophobia throughout Europe. Orlando Figes' major work reexamines this extraordinary war, highlighting its modern aspects—such as extensive photography, the telegraph, and its status as the first 'newspaper war'—while also showcasing traditional elements, including illiterate soldiers and high disease casualties. Iconic events like the Charge of the Light Brigade and the Siege of Sebastopol are covered, alongside a broader understanding of the diverse nationalities involved. The war's impact extended beyond Crimea to the Danube principalities, the Baltic, and the Caucasus, with British ambitions for partitioning Russia. Figes draws on a wealth of untapped sources to provide insight into the lived experiences of those affected, from ordinary soldiers in harsh conditions to Tsar Nicholas, who relentlessly sought religious salvation.