Control of the straits allows arms, ammunition, food, fuel, and aircraft to reach Russia through its Black Sea ports. That route can also carry American raw materials and the growing output of U.S. industry once the United States enters the conflict. The operation provides a major Allied and Orthodox symbolic success that Nicholas II can present as his own by sending Russian troops to participate. Supplies and prestige together might buy the monarchy enough time to finish the war and contain the revolutionary crisis.
Chapter · 19:16-21:07
Taking Constantinople keeps Russia in the war
Capturing Constantinople could remove the Ottoman Empire from the war, open a dependable supply route, and give the tsar a politically valuable victory.