What were the main causes and consequences of the French involvement in the Crimean War?

The Crimean War was a major conflict fought from 1853 to 1856 between the Russian Empire on one side and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia on the other. The French involvement in the war was primarily motivated by their desire to protect Catholic interests in the Ottoman Empire and to prevent the expansion of Russian influence in Europe.

One of the main causes of the war was the dispute over the Holy Land, which was a source of tension between Russia and France. France, as a Catholic country, was interested in protecting the rights of Catholics in the Ottoman Empire and was concerned about the Orthodox influence of Russia in the region. Another cause of the war was the territorial ambitions of the Russian Empire, which sought to expand its influence into the Ottoman Empire and the Balkans.

The French involvement in the Crimean War had a significant impact on the war's outcome. French troops played a crucial role in the Siege of Sevastopol, which was a major turning point in the conflict. The war resulted in a number of important consequences, including the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Russia as a major European power. The war also had significant social and political impacts in France, contributing to the fall of the Second French Republic and the rise of Napoleon III.