Crimean War gained worldwide attention for pioneering and publicising modern nursing while treating the wounded. The Crimean War also saw the first tactical use of railways and other modern inventions, such as the electric telegraph, with the first "live" war reporting to "The Times" by William Howard Russell. Some credit Russell with prompting the resignation of the sitting British government through his reporting of the lacklustre condition of British forces deployed in Crimea. Additionally, the telegraph reduced the independence of British overseas possessions from their commanders in London due to such rapid communications. Newspaper readership informed public opinion in the United Kingdom
Sir William Russell, 2nd Baronet Edinburgh, he migrated to Calcutta, where he acquired a large practice. Returning to London before 1832, he distinguished himself in that year by his energy during the cholera epidemic, and was for his services created a baronet. Russell entered the army as a Cornet in 1841, became a Lieutenant in February 1846, a Captain in April 1857, a Major in August 1857, a Lieutenant-Colonel in November 1858, and Colonel in July 1863. He served in the Crimean War and during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 he served at Alumbagh and at the Siege of Lucknow, and commanded the 7th Hussars