Recalcitrant Sevastopol
The heroic defense of Sevastopol became a key moment in the entire Crimean War. However, before considering the battle itself, you should understand the causes of this bloody clash, its premises and goals. Some scholars mistakenly believe that the war, which broke out in the mid-nineteenth century, was initiated by France, longing for revenge for defeat in the first quarter of the century. However, if we analyze in more detail historical background, it becomes clear that Britain was the most interested state, loudly declaring its selflessness and desire to defeat the brutal barbarism in the Black Sea. What can serve as evidence of such an assumption?
Hiding behind the need to ensure a safe path to one of their many colonies, India, the British were looking for ways to weaken Russia. Such behavior was dictated by fears, by the way, not unfounded, about the spread of Russian influence on the Ottoman Empire. In the middle of the nineteenth century, the Ottoman Empire, concluding an agreement under which Great Britain acquired the right to trade in its territory, caused stagnation of its own industry and turned into an economically dependent state. This territory has become a profitable market for British products, so the British had a great interest in maintaining their own influence and, reasonably, were afraid of the developing Russian bourgeoisie entering this region. In addition, the British were not impressed by the presence of Russia in the Baltic.
In schools, teachers unfortunately rarely cover the Palmerston program, which was compiled even before Turkey declared the war on the Russian Empire. In short, the main goal of Great Britain was the rejection of its Baltic territories from Russia, as well as Finland, the Aland Islands, the Crimea and the Caucasus. In addition, the Englishman in his design suggested some important geopolitical changes on the map of Europe.
France was also not a simple puppet and had its own interests in this military confrontation. Firstly, the new emperor Napoleon III was not recognized by Nicholas I, due to the fact that the Napoleon dynasty was removed from the succession to the throne as a result of the war. The new French emperor was offended by the deliberately erroneous appeal of the Russian monarch and was eager for revenge. In addition, in order to strengthen his precarious position on the throne, the French monarch had to get revenge for the defeat of his predecessor.
Thus, the war with Turkey was predetermined long before it began. The reason was the dispute about the keys to the Church of the Birth of Christ in the ancient city of Bethlehem.
The ground forces under the command of Menshikov gave battle to the British and French regiments on the way to Sevastopol by the river called Alma. However, the forces were unequal. The Russian army numbered thousands of 33 warriors, while the Allies landed about 64 thousands of people in Evpatoria. In addition, it was said in the battle and superiority in armament on the part of the allies. The firing range of rifled guns exceeded the capabilities of the Russian smoothbore 4-e times, so the melee for the commander Menshikov was inaccessible. Many military historians call the leadership style of the prince mediocre, because his decisions not only did not bring any improvements in the situation of Sevastopol, but even caused the Allied army significant losses.
The battle for Sevastopol began on October 5, 1854. The Allies attacked the city from the sea and dropped more than fifty thousand cannonballs onto the walls of the coastal city. In this battle, military admiral Kornilov was tragically killed. The brilliant military commander offered a very interesting option of defense. Aware of the small size and weakness of the Russian fleet and the ships defending Sevastopol, he invited them to engage in battle with the enemy’s ships and be sure to board the ship, while blowing up their own ships. Thus, Kornilov intended to inflict such damage on the Allied fleet, after which all further operations would be impossible. However, such a plan was rejected by Menshikov, having ordered the sinking of all the ships in Sevastopol, and the crew to be thrown to the defense of the fortress. Kornilov was forced to obey, but even having lost the opportunity to undermine the combat power of the enemy fleet, he organized an effective defense with night sorties, a mine war and the skillful use of serf artillery pieces. The sudden death on the Malakhov Kurgan deprived Sevastopol of a talented commander, which affected the further organization of the defense. Admiral Nakhimov, no less talented and beloved by soldiers, took Kornilov's place.
The defense lasted 349 days, during which the courage of not only the soldiers and sailors, but also the ordinary inhabitants of the city manifested itself. From the sea side the city was well fortified. The fortress possessed 610 tools and a powerful bastion, but from land, Sevastopol was vulnerable. This line included only 134 various-sized weapons. In addition, the northern part of the city was covered only by an eight-angled fort, at the disposal of which there were only 50 guns.
A significant role in the heroic resilience of the city played the dedication of its inhabitants, who actively participated in the construction of fortifications. For example, one of the batteries was called maiden, since it was erected exclusively by female hands.
The first battle was fierce, it was fought not only from the sea, but also from land. However, despite the superiority, the enemy was unable to break the resistance and, moreover, suffered considerable losses, which were complemented by a storm raging on the Black Sea. The result of the first day was such that the Allies had to send several ships to Constantinople and abandon further shelling of Sevastopol from the sea. Batteries from land were also not suppressed, although the enemy had 10-ti multiple superiority in the number of guns. Russian artillerymen tried to shoot as often as possible, as a result of which the guns themselves almost exploded, but the attack was brilliantly repulsed. However, during the battle, the imperfection of military equipment and the lack of ammunition began to be felt. The left flank was seriously damaged by the British artillery, but the return fire did not stop. The Allied army, who had been waiting for an assault all day, was not able to fully implement it, all the allies were forced to retreat. The French and the British tried several times to attack the rebellious bastion, but even at night the Russian soldiers fought fiercely and repelled the attacks. A potent contribution to the defense was made by plying steamships with the proud names “Chersonese”, “Crimea” “Thunderer” and others. Missing ammunition supplemented the usual stones and the invincible will of the Russian soldiers, typical of the Slavs, which horrified the enemy. The losses among the Russian soldiers were enormous and amounted to about 1250 people, but then a long siege of the city began, which three powerful powers could not take in one day.
After the battle, the Russian soldiers made a truly amazing deed: they crawled out of hiding and tried to help the wounded. The Allies reacted differently to this action. If the French were approvingly silent and even waved to the brave ones, the British, despite the torment of their wounded, opened fire on them.
During the attack of the city, the Russian army reached 65-thousand and could enter into confrontation with the enemy. The military commanders proposed to act decisively and interrupt the material support of the troops besieging the city, but Prince Menshikov again showed caution and sent only one division to capture several redoubts. The detachment was too small, so even taking the redoubts and causing considerable losses to the English, he could not keep the occupied heights. Responsibility for the failure of October 13 military analysts fully lay on indecision and unbelief Menshikov.
October 20 again began shelling of fortresses. The planned assault on 6 in November was thwarted by the approach of two divisions, as a result of which the number of the Russian army was already 85 thousand and represented a serious threat to the allied forces. In addition, the city was not completely cut off from the world, it was connected with the Russian army by the Semfiropolsky direction.
On October 24, Menshikov decided to go on the offensive, but the leadership was so incompetent, and the provision was bad, that the Russian troops were forced to retreat again after a bloody clash. By the onset of winter, epidemics began in the Russian ranks. Menshikov’s inability to provide the soldiers with the necessary medicines, clothing, as well as normal food and even ammunition was again revealed. Only in February of the following year, the prince was finally replaced by Gorchakov, who already had experience in leading the Danube army.
At this time, the defenders of Sevastopol launched an active struggle with the enemy through night sorties. There were their heroes, especially bravely and skillfully causing damage to the enemy. Among the names are still known Dimchenko, Shevchenko, Zalivshin and many others.
Attempts to seize the heights from the Russian troops continued with alternate success. After the change of Menshikov, a new stage began in the confrontation for Sevostopol. The Russian army began to form an additional defensive line, complementing it with guns. The allies tried to occupy redoubts erected many times, but each time they faced with the dedication of the soldiers. In April, the enemy again began a heavy shelling of all guns around the city. The calculation was reduced to the incessant fire on the walls of recalcitrant Sevastopol during 3-x days. However, neither the first nor the second day, the intensity of the response fire did not subside. On the city the enemy fired about 168 thousands of shells, but in return received a little less than 88,5 thousands. The assault was postponed to mid-April, but the entire combat reserve of the fortress was spent. Sevastopol needed to restore ammunition.
In England and France, unsuccessful attempts to occupy Sevastopol aroused indignation, outrage, and even a storm of negative public emotions, which led to a change in military leadership, but attempts by the new command also remained unsuccessful. In May, the number of besiegers reached 200 thousands, against 70-ti thousand Russian soldiers, of whom only slightly more than half took a real part in the defense.
May 25 began shelling again, lasting 5 days. Despite the fact that the return fire from the walls of Sevastopol subsided this time, it was not possible to take the city again. Russian regiments made a significant contribution to the defense.
5 June bombing began again, causing destructive damage to the fortifications of the city. However, the Allied attack was again unsuccessful, as Russian soldiers preferred to die and even the wounded fought, but did not surrender. Damage repaired as soon as possible, thanks not only to the military, but also to local residents. Sevastopol showed incredible courage and valor. However, 30 June Russian forces suffered the most terrible loss - Admiral Nakhimov died from a mortal wound in the temple. A talented commander, thanks to the skill and courage of which this unruly and proud city held so long, left the world under the whistle of enemy bullets.
Gorchakov was indecisive and this time. On August 5, the enemy again began to fire, and on August 24, the sixth bombardment began. The forces of the besieged were exhausted, the soldiers died, but did not surrender. However, the outcome of the siege was already predetermined. 27 August almost completely destroying all fortifications and soldiers, the Allies occupied the southern part of the city. The Russian army concentrated on the North side and was ready for further battle. Residents went over to the side of the warring and offered no less resistance than the soldiers. The losses of the enemy were so high that the command, fearing for the loss of the successes already achieved, did not decide on a further offensive. The battle has entered a stage of temporary lull.
Peace negotiations began in 1856, and at the end of April a peace treaty was signed in Paris.
The events of Sevastopol showed the whole world how brave and selfless the Russian soldiers and inhabitants are. One recalcitrant city, three military powers possessing numerical superiority, as well as the best weapons, could not take for eleven months. It was a real shame for the European powers and the feat of the Russian people.
Hiding behind the need to ensure a safe path to one of their many colonies, India, the British were looking for ways to weaken Russia. Such behavior was dictated by fears, by the way, not unfounded, about the spread of Russian influence on the Ottoman Empire. In the middle of the nineteenth century, the Ottoman Empire, concluding an agreement under which Great Britain acquired the right to trade in its territory, caused stagnation of its own industry and turned into an economically dependent state. This territory has become a profitable market for British products, so the British had a great interest in maintaining their own influence and, reasonably, were afraid of the developing Russian bourgeoisie entering this region. In addition, the British were not impressed by the presence of Russia in the Baltic.
In schools, teachers unfortunately rarely cover the Palmerston program, which was compiled even before Turkey declared the war on the Russian Empire. In short, the main goal of Great Britain was the rejection of its Baltic territories from Russia, as well as Finland, the Aland Islands, the Crimea and the Caucasus. In addition, the Englishman in his design suggested some important geopolitical changes on the map of Europe.
France was also not a simple puppet and had its own interests in this military confrontation. Firstly, the new emperor Napoleon III was not recognized by Nicholas I, due to the fact that the Napoleon dynasty was removed from the succession to the throne as a result of the war. The new French emperor was offended by the deliberately erroneous appeal of the Russian monarch and was eager for revenge. In addition, in order to strengthen his precarious position on the throne, the French monarch had to get revenge for the defeat of his predecessor.
Thus, the war with Turkey was predetermined long before it began. The reason was the dispute about the keys to the Church of the Birth of Christ in the ancient city of Bethlehem.
The ground forces under the command of Menshikov gave battle to the British and French regiments on the way to Sevastopol by the river called Alma. However, the forces were unequal. The Russian army numbered thousands of 33 warriors, while the Allies landed about 64 thousands of people in Evpatoria. In addition, it was said in the battle and superiority in armament on the part of the allies. The firing range of rifled guns exceeded the capabilities of the Russian smoothbore 4-e times, so the melee for the commander Menshikov was inaccessible. Many military historians call the leadership style of the prince mediocre, because his decisions not only did not bring any improvements in the situation of Sevastopol, but even caused the Allied army significant losses.
The battle for Sevastopol began on October 5, 1854. The Allies attacked the city from the sea and dropped more than fifty thousand cannonballs onto the walls of the coastal city. In this battle, military admiral Kornilov was tragically killed. The brilliant military commander offered a very interesting option of defense. Aware of the small size and weakness of the Russian fleet and the ships defending Sevastopol, he invited them to engage in battle with the enemy’s ships and be sure to board the ship, while blowing up their own ships. Thus, Kornilov intended to inflict such damage on the Allied fleet, after which all further operations would be impossible. However, such a plan was rejected by Menshikov, having ordered the sinking of all the ships in Sevastopol, and the crew to be thrown to the defense of the fortress. Kornilov was forced to obey, but even having lost the opportunity to undermine the combat power of the enemy fleet, he organized an effective defense with night sorties, a mine war and the skillful use of serf artillery pieces. The sudden death on the Malakhov Kurgan deprived Sevastopol of a talented commander, which affected the further organization of the defense. Admiral Nakhimov, no less talented and beloved by soldiers, took Kornilov's place.
The defense lasted 349 days, during which the courage of not only the soldiers and sailors, but also the ordinary inhabitants of the city manifested itself. From the sea side the city was well fortified. The fortress possessed 610 tools and a powerful bastion, but from land, Sevastopol was vulnerable. This line included only 134 various-sized weapons. In addition, the northern part of the city was covered only by an eight-angled fort, at the disposal of which there were only 50 guns.
A significant role in the heroic resilience of the city played the dedication of its inhabitants, who actively participated in the construction of fortifications. For example, one of the batteries was called maiden, since it was erected exclusively by female hands.
Soldiers, heroes of defense
The first battle was fierce, it was fought not only from the sea, but also from land. However, despite the superiority, the enemy was unable to break the resistance and, moreover, suffered considerable losses, which were complemented by a storm raging on the Black Sea. The result of the first day was such that the Allies had to send several ships to Constantinople and abandon further shelling of Sevastopol from the sea. Batteries from land were also not suppressed, although the enemy had 10-ti multiple superiority in the number of guns. Russian artillerymen tried to shoot as often as possible, as a result of which the guns themselves almost exploded, but the attack was brilliantly repulsed. However, during the battle, the imperfection of military equipment and the lack of ammunition began to be felt. The left flank was seriously damaged by the British artillery, but the return fire did not stop. The Allied army, who had been waiting for an assault all day, was not able to fully implement it, all the allies were forced to retreat. The French and the British tried several times to attack the rebellious bastion, but even at night the Russian soldiers fought fiercely and repelled the attacks. A potent contribution to the defense was made by plying steamships with the proud names “Chersonese”, “Crimea” “Thunderer” and others. Missing ammunition supplemented the usual stones and the invincible will of the Russian soldiers, typical of the Slavs, which horrified the enemy. The losses among the Russian soldiers were enormous and amounted to about 1250 people, but then a long siege of the city began, which three powerful powers could not take in one day.
After the battle, the Russian soldiers made a truly amazing deed: they crawled out of hiding and tried to help the wounded. The Allies reacted differently to this action. If the French were approvingly silent and even waved to the brave ones, the British, despite the torment of their wounded, opened fire on them.
During the attack of the city, the Russian army reached 65-thousand and could enter into confrontation with the enemy. The military commanders proposed to act decisively and interrupt the material support of the troops besieging the city, but Prince Menshikov again showed caution and sent only one division to capture several redoubts. The detachment was too small, so even taking the redoubts and causing considerable losses to the English, he could not keep the occupied heights. Responsibility for the failure of October 13 military analysts fully lay on indecision and unbelief Menshikov.
October 20 again began shelling of fortresses. The planned assault on 6 in November was thwarted by the approach of two divisions, as a result of which the number of the Russian army was already 85 thousand and represented a serious threat to the allied forces. In addition, the city was not completely cut off from the world, it was connected with the Russian army by the Semfiropolsky direction.
On October 24, Menshikov decided to go on the offensive, but the leadership was so incompetent, and the provision was bad, that the Russian troops were forced to retreat again after a bloody clash. By the onset of winter, epidemics began in the Russian ranks. Menshikov’s inability to provide the soldiers with the necessary medicines, clothing, as well as normal food and even ammunition was again revealed. Only in February of the following year, the prince was finally replaced by Gorchakov, who already had experience in leading the Danube army.
At this time, the defenders of Sevastopol launched an active struggle with the enemy through night sorties. There were their heroes, especially bravely and skillfully causing damage to the enemy. Among the names are still known Dimchenko, Shevchenko, Zalivshin and many others.
Attempts to seize the heights from the Russian troops continued with alternate success. After the change of Menshikov, a new stage began in the confrontation for Sevostopol. The Russian army began to form an additional defensive line, complementing it with guns. The allies tried to occupy redoubts erected many times, but each time they faced with the dedication of the soldiers. In April, the enemy again began a heavy shelling of all guns around the city. The calculation was reduced to the incessant fire on the walls of recalcitrant Sevastopol during 3-x days. However, neither the first nor the second day, the intensity of the response fire did not subside. On the city the enemy fired about 168 thousands of shells, but in return received a little less than 88,5 thousands. The assault was postponed to mid-April, but the entire combat reserve of the fortress was spent. Sevastopol needed to restore ammunition.
In England and France, unsuccessful attempts to occupy Sevastopol aroused indignation, outrage, and even a storm of negative public emotions, which led to a change in military leadership, but attempts by the new command also remained unsuccessful. In May, the number of besiegers reached 200 thousands, against 70-ti thousand Russian soldiers, of whom only slightly more than half took a real part in the defense.
May 25 began shelling again, lasting 5 days. Despite the fact that the return fire from the walls of Sevastopol subsided this time, it was not possible to take the city again. Russian regiments made a significant contribution to the defense.
5 June bombing began again, causing destructive damage to the fortifications of the city. However, the Allied attack was again unsuccessful, as Russian soldiers preferred to die and even the wounded fought, but did not surrender. Damage repaired as soon as possible, thanks not only to the military, but also to local residents. Sevastopol showed incredible courage and valor. However, 30 June Russian forces suffered the most terrible loss - Admiral Nakhimov died from a mortal wound in the temple. A talented commander, thanks to the skill and courage of which this unruly and proud city held so long, left the world under the whistle of enemy bullets.
Gorchakov was indecisive and this time. On August 5, the enemy again began to fire, and on August 24, the sixth bombardment began. The forces of the besieged were exhausted, the soldiers died, but did not surrender. However, the outcome of the siege was already predetermined. 27 August almost completely destroying all fortifications and soldiers, the Allies occupied the southern part of the city. The Russian army concentrated on the North side and was ready for further battle. Residents went over to the side of the warring and offered no less resistance than the soldiers. The losses of the enemy were so high that the command, fearing for the loss of the successes already achieved, did not decide on a further offensive. The battle has entered a stage of temporary lull.
Peace negotiations began in 1856, and at the end of April a peace treaty was signed in Paris.
The events of Sevastopol showed the whole world how brave and selfless the Russian soldiers and inhabitants are. One recalcitrant city, three military powers possessing numerical superiority, as well as the best weapons, could not take for eleven months. It was a real shame for the European powers and the feat of the Russian people.
Death of Admirals (defense of Sevastopol)
A film about the heroic defense of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. During the defense of the city, a galaxy of prominent admirals MP was killed. Lazarev, V.A. Kornilov, V.I. Istomin, P.S. Nakhimov.
A film about the heroic defense of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. During the defense of the city, a galaxy of prominent admirals MP was killed. Lazarev, V.A. Kornilov, V.I. Istomin, P.S. Nakhimov.
Information