How was the war reported and what effect did it have?

William Russell (above) journalist for The Times Newspaper and Roger Fenton photographer were two important individuals in the reporting of the Crimean war. It is important to understand their role and methods as often their reports are used as evidence in understanding the experience of warfare within the Crimea. HOWEVER they are not the only reporters or sources of evidence e.g. doctors, officers, soldiers etc.

Russell - frank and graphic reports
Matter-of-fact / objective
Contrasted with previous reports - romantic and jingoistic heroism
The Times shocked middle class readers
Circulation rose from 42,500 to 58,500 during the war
Highlighted military mismanagement and administrative incompetence
Led to criticism of Lord Raglan
Also led to creation of various contributory funds to help the troops

Fenton
Sent to take photos for sale
Victorian values against photos of dead bodies etc
Technology limited - subjctes needed to be still
Photographed - men, officers, ships at Balaclava
Eventually battle fields after the battles - covered in round shot and shells e.g. 'The valley of the shadow of death' 1855 - click on the image below to enlarge and see the shot
This brought home the true nature of the war to the British public - very different from previous painted or drawn heroic images of war.