The Crimean War (1853-56) between Russia, Turkey, Britain, France and the Kingdom of Sardinia was a diplomatically preventable conflict for influence over an unstable Near and Middle East. It could have broken out in any decade between Napoleon and Wilhelm II; equally, it need never have occurred. In this masterly study, based on massive archival research, David Goldfrank argues that the European diplomatic roots of the war stretch far beyond the `Eastern Question' itself, and shows how the domestic concerns of the participants contributed to the outbreak of hostilities.
Chapter 1. Western Questions – The Home Fronts
Chapter 2. Western Questions – The Projection of Power
Chapter 3. The Eastern Question
Chapter 4. Counter-revolution on the March (1848–1850)
Chapter 5. Holy Places, Profane Litigation (May 1850–March 1852)
Chapter 6. The Return to Armed Diplomacy (April–November 1852)
Chapter 7. Nativity (December 1852)
Chapter 8. Preparations for Diplomatic Disaster (January–February 1853)
Chapter 9. Mission Impossible: I – Menshikov vs the Chargés (March 1853)
Chapter 10. Mission Impossible: II – Menshikov vs the Great Ambassador (April–May 1853)
Chapter 11. Giant Steps (May–June 1853)
Chapter 12. Floating Projects (June–July 1853)
Chapter 13. Sour Notes (July–August 1853)
Chapter 14. Cutting Loose (August–September 1853)
Chapter 15. The Outbreak of the Ninth Russo-Turkish War (September–October 1853)
Chapter 16. Getting Down to Business (October–December 1853)
Chapter 16. Calculated Countdown (December 1853–April 1854)
Chapter 18. The Origins of the Crimean War
Chapter 19. The Strange Sequel