War and Rebellion

The British became involved in the Crimean War from 1854 to 1856. Most of the fighting took place in Russianheld Crimea, where bitter cold and disease took as many lives as battle wounds. The queen, lacking any power in military situations, felt compelled to help. She organized relief efforts, knitted socks and mittens, and visited soldiers in hospitals. In her official capacity, Queen Victoria wrote letters of condolence to war widows.British presence in India stirred up a rebellion of Indian soldiers, called sepoys, in 1857. The uprising resulted in the deaths of hundreds of European civilians. When the rebellion was finally subdued by British troops, all of India came under the control of the Crown of England. Queen Victoria proudly referred to India as a jewel of her crown. She was proclaimed Empress of India in 1877, when Parliament passed the Royal Titles Act.