Russian Preparations for War

Abstract

For the remainder of the month of May and the first half of June, the Russians were fully occupied with their preparations for the intervention in Hungary. Having issued his manifesto about the intervention, renegotiated the occupation of the Danubian principalities with Turkey, restored diplomatic relations with France, and received assurances that the British government would not oppose his action, Nicholas was now free to turn his attention to the detailed military planning which he most enjoyed. He set to work issuing orders about troop movements and the build-up of the reserves which would ensure that Russia was not left bare of troops while the major part of the army was deployed outside the country.¹