The Crimean War: Part 1 – The Reason Why

Arguably the first “modern” conflict, the Crimean War is principally remembered for three reasons: the Charge of the Light Brigade, horrific maladministration in the British army, and the ministrations of Florence Nightingale. However, this war, fought by an improbable alliance of Britain, France, Turkey and Sardinia against the Russian Empire, is far more complex. Many wars have been fought on the grounds of the strategic importance of a region; many wars have been fought over religious differences. The Crimean War was the result of both factors.

This excellent Channel 4 documentary is based on contemporary accounts made through journals, diaries, and war correspondence and features many pictures from the first war photographers.

For more information on the subject, The Crimean War Research Society is a great place to start.