Nicholas could not escape the shock of the revolutions of 1848, which shattered the foundations of every continental power. The uprisings in Germany, Hungary, Italy, France and the Danubian countries were infectious, and the spirit of revolt against the monarchical system which had caused these disturbances spread throughout the Russian Empire. The Tsar had of necessity to take up arms to defend his authority and unite with the Emperor of Austria in the suppression of a combined insurrection by the Hungarians and Poles. In the meantime, Turkey, encouraged by France, seemed about to break loose from the Tsar's influence and revoke his right of protectorate over the Eastern Christians which had been assured to him by the peace of Adrianople. He therefore demanded new guarantees, which the Porte refused. England hesitated to take part in the quarrel, but on the 9th of January, 1853, two private interviews between Nicholas and the British Ambassador revealed to the latter's government the ultimate aim of all the Emperor's schemes. His object was nothing less than to wind up Turkey and form independent states on the Danube under Russian protection, and establish himself at Constantinople. England was to be allowed to take such territories as suited her convenience, provided she did not include Constantinople. Nicholas suggested to that British Minister that they unite their forces for carrying out this plan, without reference to how the proceeding might be relished by France or Austria.
The Emperor flattered himself that he could carry his day with the English because the idea never entered his head that Napoleon III could bring about an alliance with Great Britain with the memory of Waterloo still rankling in the French mind. He therefore imprudently confided his plans to the British Ambassador and made such an alliance possible. England took fright at the prospect of the Tsar commanding the Dardanelles and turned to France to urge her to more energetic measure in the East.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
