The War with Russia; Its Origin and Cause A Reply to the Letter of J. Bright, Esq., M.P.

"The War with Russia; Its Origin and Cause" by John Alfred Langford is a detailed historical exploration of mid-19th century events that sparked a major war. Langford’s book looks closely at the reasons behind the clash between Russia and Turkey, explaining the roles of Britain and France in the conflict. As Langford writes, he responds to disagreements from well-know people, clearly supporting and explaining why England took the side she did in the war. He counters arguments suggesting the war was unfair. As the book continues, Langford carefully considers these oppositions, especially those coming from people such as J. Bright who felt that England was fighting against Christians within the Ottoman Empire. According to the author, Russia's past actions have had major implications within the war. Langford's analysis of crucial occurrences in diplomacy, the movement of military, and the main ideas at the heart of the conflict makes the case that Russia's desire to take over land was a danger to Turkey and to the balance of power in Europe. Ultimately, the purpose of the book is to provide a strong justification for England’s involvement in the war, framing it as an essential and morally right stand against Russia's imperialistic goals.