Beginning as a dispute over the right to protect Christian sites in the Ottoman Empire, the French and Russian Empires girded for war. Religion really had little to do with the Beginning as a dispute over the right to protect Christian sites in the Ottoman Empire, the French and Russian Empires girded for war. Religion really had little to do with the fight, as France wanted to be seen as a player in Middle-Eastern politics and the Russians wanted an excuse to capture land belonging to the Ottomans. Ineptitude among the general staffs of the belligerents caused massive casualties (mostly from disease) for little gain.
—David Bassler