On the Political Impact of the Ingour Battle of November 6, 1855

Abstract

Introduction. The article analyzes the battle on the Ingour river on November 6, 1855 from the political perspective in order to establish its role in the Caucasian campaign of 1855 of the Crimean war (1853-1856). Methods. Using the approach created by Carl von Clausewitz and developed by Alexander Svechin, the author views war as the continuation of politics and explores the political impact of the Ingour battle regarding its connection with the development of guerilla war in Mingrelia against the Turkish army under Omer-pasha (Ömer Lütfi Paşa). Analysis. Tactical analysis of the battle demonstrates that its organization and conduct on Russian side included considerable flaws. However, political analysis allows understanding that the impact of the Ingour battle went beyond its immediate tactical outcome. Political instability in Mingrelia demanded imperatively that major-general I.K. Bagration-Mukhranskiy, who commanded Russian Gurian force, would confront Omer-pasha at Mingrelian border in order to confirm the political credibility of Russian authorities among the local population. Discussion. Russian readiness to fight for Mingrelia influenced the political situation positively and contributed to the development of guerilla war against Omer-pasha. It was especially beneficial in the difficult conditions of Batum operational area and made a significant contribution to the outcome of the campaign. Thus, it is established in the article that one should view the Ingour battle not as a woeful defeat, but as the sensible tactical sacrifice for political ends that yielded considerable results and influenced the outcome of the 1855 Caucasian campaign in an important way.