Americans in the Crimean War

Abstract

ONG before the Crimean War, when discussing the possibility of a future conflict between Russia and England, both the Russians and the Americans considered their countries as potential allies.' It was, therefore, natural that during the Crimean War the traditional friendship of Russia and the United States was greatly strengthened. The two countries had supported one another usually for reasons of self-interest. During the Crimean War, the Anglo-French alliance was directed not only against Russia, but also against the United States. At the beginning of the struggle, Palmerston formulated his program of partitioning the Russian Empire,2 and Lord Clarendon, in his speech at the opening of Parliament, made it clear that England and France were also united in their efforts to thwart American expansion. Preservation of the integrity of the United States was an imperative necessity for Russia. She wanted the United States to be a strong power, so that in case of war the United States would be helpful to her.3 Thomas Seymour of Connecticut, appointed Minister to Russia, arrived in St. Petersburg in March, I854, and reported to Secretary of State Marcy that the Russian government had an ardent desire for the friendship of the U. S. and for drawing