The Crimean (Eastern) War of 1853–1856 in Modern Russian Historiography

Abstract

Modern Russian historiography of the Crimean (Eastern) War of 1853–1856 is analyzed with an emphasis on research of the last decade and historiographic reviews of previous periods (V.E. Bagdasaryan, S.G. Tolstoi, V.I. Sheremet, O.V. Pavlenko, S.S. Kurochkin, etc.). In 2013–2014, the 160th anniversary of the beginning of the Crimean War and the defense of Sevastopol was celebrated, and the works of Crimean historians replenished Russian historiography not only de facto but also de jure. Where necessary, references are given to earlier basic works, as well as the latest publications of sources. Apart from the articles published in the period 2014–first half of 2023, about 30 collections of documents, monographs, and dissertation abstracts were published from 2014 through the first half of 2023, covering various aspects of the study of the Crimean War. This historiographical review is structured according to a thematic principle. Studies are consistently analyzed on such topics as the influence of the Eastern question (the dispute over the “Holy Places”) in the diplomatic outbreak of the war; the state of the armed forces of Russia and the European coalition consisting of Great Britain, France, Sardinia (Piedmont), and the Ottoman Empire; military operations in various theaters of war; the role of individual military leaders; the results of the war; public opinion; humanitarian aspects (medicine, charity); the influence of the war on literature and art; and historical memory of the war. The analysis of modern historiography makes it possible to conclude that there is a gradually emerging discourse that the extent of Russia’s defeat in the war was previously significantly exaggerated, that it was not a “catastrophe” for Russia. Despite the admission of defeat, Russia remained a great power and was able to begin reforms and modernization of its entire socioeconomic structure, gradually strengthening its position in the changing world.