What was the role of France in the Crimean War?

The Crimean War, which lasted from 1853 to 1856, was fought between Russia and an alliance of Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. France played a significant role in the conflict, as it was one of the major powers involved in the war.

France joined the war on the side of Britain and the Ottoman Empire in 1854. The French army, under the leadership of Napoleon III, played a crucial role in the siege and capture of the Russian-held port of Sevastopol. The French navy also played a key role in the conflict, particularly in the Black Sea, where it helped to blockade Russian ports and protect the supply lines of the allied armies.

France's involvement in the Crimean War was motivated by a desire to maintain the balance of power in Europe and to prevent Russia from gaining too much influence in the region. It also served as an opportunity for France to assert its military and diplomatic power on the world stage, particularly after its defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71.