Crimean War

The Crimean War (1854-56) was fought over the desire by various European powers to dominate the Ottoman Empire. The conflict, instigated by Russia against Turkey, took place on the Crimean peninsula, where English and French troops supported the Turks. Although Canada did not play an active role in this war, certain individuals did enlist and fight in the Near East.

The Crimean War had a positive impact on the Canadian economy because of its effect on supply and demand of agricultural products, especially wheat. Since Russia and Great Britain were at war, Britain cancelled all imports of Russian wheat and bought Canadian wheat -- at higher wartime prices.

Sources

Careless, J. M. S. -- The union of the Canadas : the growth of Canadian institutions, 1841-1857. -- Toronto : McClelland & Stewart, 1967. -- P. 132-135.

Wark, Wesley K. -- "Crimean War". -- The 1999 Canadian encyclopedia : world edition. -- Toronto : McClelland & Stewart, 1998.