Crimean War – Major Powers

Russia:

1. Autocratic regime led by Tsar Nicholas 1.2. Many of the populace were serfs.3. Strongly committed to Orthodox Christianity.4. Dreams of uniting Slavic people and recapturing Constantinople and

maybe even Jerusalem.5. Expanding south into Muslim lands.6. Controls huge parts of Europe like Poland.

The Ottoman Empire:

1. A Muslim empire with many religious minorities.2. Based in Asia but provinces in Europe.3. In decline militarily and politically.4. Losing territory to the Russians all the time.5. Controls the Holy City of Jerusalem.6. Technologically behind European states.

The British Empire:

1. A very powerful navy but a small professional army.2. A large empire spread about the globe.3. Keen to make sure no European Power gets dominance.4. Keen to promote liberalism and free trade around the world.5. Suspicious of Orthodox and Catholic Christianity.6. Constitutional Monarchy led by PM Lord Aberdeen

France:

1. Powerful professional army keen to show its power after the defeat of Napoleon 1.

2. Led by Emperor Napoleon 3 a keen reformer. Napoleon hated the Tsar.3. Keen to maintain influence in Europe.4. Catholics had a strong influence in government.