The Crimean War

Battle of Balaclava

• Fought on October 25, 1854, during the Crimean War
• British forces clashed with Russian troops in the town of Balaclava, near Sevastopol, Crimea
• The battle was a series of miscommunications and misunderstandings that led to a series of disastrous charges by British cavalry units
• The British suffered heavy casualties, including the loss of over 100 men and many horses

Charges of the Light Brigade

• A famous and ill-fated cavalry charge that took place during the Battle of Balaclava
• The British Light Brigade, consisting of 600 men, was ordered to charge a heavily defended Russian artillery position
• The charge was the result of a miscommunication between British commanders, and the brigade was not supported by infantry or artillery
• The charge was repelled, and the British suffered heavy casualties, including over 100 dead and many wounded

Role of Florence Nightingale

• Florence Nightingale, a British nurse and statistician, played a crucial role in improving sanitation and hygiene practices during the Crimean War
• She arrived at the British military hospital in Scutari, Turkey, in November 1853, and was shocked by the unsanitary conditions and high mortality rates
• Nightingale implemented reforms, including improved ventilation, sanitation, and hygiene practices, which significantly reduced mortality rates
• Her work during the Crimean War established her as a pioneer in the field of nursing and public health

Treaty of Paris

• Signed on March 30, 1856, ending the Crimean War
• The treaty was signed by France, Britain, Sardinia, and Russia, and marked the end of the war
• The treaty established the principle of the neutrality of the Black Sea, and prohibited any power from establishing a military presence on the Crimean Peninsula
• The treaty also recognized the independence of the Ottoman Empire and established the principle of the territorial integrity of the empire.

Battle of Balaclava

• Took place on October 25, 1854, during the Crimean War
• Clash between British forces and Russian troops in Balaclava, near Sevastopol, Crimea
• Series of miscommunications and misunderstandings led to disastrous charges by British cavalry units
• Resulted in heavy British casualties, including over 100 men and many horses

Charges of the Light Brigade

• Famous and ill-fated cavalry charge during the Battle of Balaclava
• 600 men of the British Light Brigade charged heavily defended Russian artillery position
• Charge was the result of miscommunication between British commanders
• Lack of infantry or artillery support led to heavy casualties, over 100 dead and many wounded

Florence Nightingale's Role

• Arrived at British military hospital in Scutari, Turkey, in November 1853
• Shocked by unsanitary conditions and high mortality rates
• Implemented reforms, including improved ventilation, sanitation, and hygiene practices
• Significantly reduced mortality rates, establishing her as a pioneer in nursing and public health

Treaty of Paris

• Signed on March 30, 1856, ending the Crimean War
• Signed by France, Britain, Sardinia, and Russia
• Established principle of neutrality of the Black Sea and prohibited military presence on the Crimean Peninsula
• Recognized independence of the Ottoman Empire and established territorial integrity of the empire

Test your knowledge of the Battle of Balaclava, a disastrous battle fought during the Crimean War. Discover the events that led to the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade.