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I brought up the Crimean War in another post and it got me thinking. Do historians give enough credit to small and colonial wars of the 19th century when they discuss the causes of the currents among and between nations and peoples in the contemporary world. I would bet that except among historians, it is forgotten that the Crimean War was the first war between Great Powers since the fall of Napoleon in 1815. And that it was fought not for territory but to stop the spread of Russian influence in the Near and Middle East. It also marked the first use of the telegraph and ironclad warship in warfare. The Crimean War is one of the reasons that the West and Russian did not reach a rapproachment until virtually the eve of WWI. Remember the French and Russians did not ally until the 1890's and then only because they feared the new Germany more than they feared each other. There were many other incidents in the 19th century that seem forgotten but when analyzed they assume far greater importance than at first blush. I will throw a few out there but I am sure I will miss some too. Can anyone else think of small events that look bigger when examined closely.1. The Boer War- Demonstrated the damage caused by modern firearms2. The Balkan Wars (1912-1914)- Set the stage fr great power rivalry in the region3. The revolutions of 1848- Caused retrenchment in monarchies and brought down the French Government leading to the rise of Napoleon III4. The mid-century Famines- Irish and German immigrants played a crucial role in the Civil War. What would have happened if the impetus to emigrate had not hit Europe5. The Building of the Suez Canal- As late as 1956, European countries have fought for control of this vital commercial arteryI am sure there are more, as well
Franco-Prussian War? That short war seemed to cause a lot of problems.Probably of all the ones you mentioned, I'd say the Balkan Wars had the biggest effect.
The Crimean War was the first time we see Italy in international cicles… nothing to gain by being involved except to be able to say they helped (and thus gain favors… French support by way of secret treaty) shows them part of the status-quo and then can call for support if needed.The treaty with France was the ace-in-the-hole Cavour needed to hold before he could challenge Austria for Lombardy and Venitia... a big step in the unification of Italy.
The Crimean War was the first time we see Italy in international cicles... nothing to gain by being involved except to be able to say they helped (and thus gain favors... French support by way of secret treaty) shows them part of the status-quo and then can call for support if needed.The treaty with France was the ace-in-the-hole Cavour needed to hold before he could challenge Austria for Lombardy and Venitia... a big step in the unification of Italy.
Good point, I had forgotten that this was Italy's first venture into the international arena as a unified state and the beginning of their quest for Great Power status.Yes, the overseas wars that involved Europeans should also be mentioned. I would not include the Boxer Rebellion except that it proved that all the nations of Europe could work together if the goals aligned.
