Russia as an Expansionist Empire in the Opinions of the British Press 1855–1878

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the opinions of British newspapers about Russia and its foreign policy –precisely the Eastern Question between 1855 and 1878. The research was based on the editorial articles published on the pages of the most influential London dailies. The Crimean war of 1855 and the war scare of 1878 confirmed the already existing negative stereotypes of Russia as the aggressive and barbarian power able to threaten the British interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. The press was divided along party lines yet the general picture was similar despite its liberal or conservative affiliations. The factor determining the ultimate attitude of the press towards Russia was the security of British possession.