101214 | GREAT BRITAIN, OTTOMAN EMPIRE & RUSSIA. Treaty of Paris bronze Medal.

101214  |  GREAT BRITAIN, OTTOMAN EMPIRE & RUSSIA. Treaty of Paris bronze Medal. Issued 1856. Commemorating the fall of Sebastopol and peace in Europe (51mm, 72.77 g, 12h). By J. Pinches.

 

FALL OF SEBASTOPOL SEP 8th 1855, the allied flags of Great Britain, France, Sardinia, and the Ottoman Empire crossed in saltire; radiant wreath and scales of justice above; below, panoramic tableau of the naval action at Sevastopol; in exergue, serpent cut in half / THE / ALLIES / GIVE PEACE / TO EUROPE / MARCH 30th / 1856 in six lines; all within wreath with banner indicating the four allies. Edge: Plain.

 

BHM 2581; Eimer 1509; Pax in Nummis 812. Gem Mint State. Rich brown surfaces, with a good deal of shimmering brilliance. A fairly scarce and desirable type, especially this attractive and problem free.

 

Though there were many factors which led to the outbreak of the Crimean War, the main focal point involved Russia's desire for a stronger position around the Black Sea, as this water had long been important in her military strategy and might. The waning of the Ottoman Empire's power provided an opportunity to Russia around not only the Black Sea but also parts of the Balkans. Great Britain and France, neither wanting to see an expanded Russia, banded together to push back the latter. Stalled action in the southeastern Black Sea by the French and British forces caused them to turn their attention to Russia's main naval base on the Crimean peninsula at Sevastopol. This approach led to the successive battles of Alma, Balaclava, and Inkerman, the initial being an allied victory, with the latter two being more indecisive. Nevertheless, the allied presence was felt, and the assault on Sevastopol resulted in her submission, but only after nearly a year. As Russia saw more nations coming to the side of the allies, she had no choice but seek peace and end the war in early 1856. One of the resounding effects of her defeat was the decree that the Black Sea be neutral, preventing Russian warships from sailing there and greatly limiting her influence in this vital, warm weather port.

 

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