Crimean War: Europe's Conflict with Russia

A newly updated edition of a classic from a well-known and -respected author

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2018
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

The Crimean War, a pivotal moment in Queen Victoria's reign, holds a controversial and often overlooked place in history. While it gained fame for Florence Nightingale and the Charge of the Light Brigade, most historians view it as an irrelevant and unnecessary conflict. In his book, "The Crimean War: How History Has Been Manipulated to Conceal Britain's and Europe's Failure," Hugh Small delves into the historical manipulation of the Crimean War to conceal Britain's and Europe's shortcomings.

The war governments and early historians worked together to withhold the truth from an already disheartened nation, perpetuating a deception that lasted over a century. The accounts of battles, widely accepted as factual, assigned fictional leadership roles to senior officers, creating a distorted perception of the war's outcomes.

However, a careful analysis of the fighting reveals a different story. It shows that the majority of Britain's military successes in the war were achieved not by the officer class but by the common soldiers. These soldiers, who understood tactics far better than their superiors, often acted without orders and frequently defied them.

Small's book combines a political narrative with a battlefield perspective, identifying a turning point in history and raising disturbing questions about the utility of war. He challenges the traditional narratives that have shaped our understanding of the Crimean War and sheds light on the hidden stories and sacrifices of the common soldiers who played a crucial role in achieving Britain's military victories.

Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Small provides a fresh perspective on this significant historical event, challenging us to reevaluate our assumptions and consider the true costs of warfare. The Crimean War remains a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of diplomacy, understanding, and the preservation of peace.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750985871
Edition number: New ed