While the novel doesn't directly focus on a specific war, it references several contemporary conflicts:
* The Crimean War (1853-1856): This war is mentioned in the novel, particularly through the character of Arthur Clennam, who is connected to the war effort.
* The Opium Wars (1839-1842 and 1856-1860): The novel indirectly addresses the economic impact of these wars through the portrayal of the East India Company and its influence on the lives of the characters.
Therefore, while there's no single war directly fought in the novel, it reflects the historical context of the Victorian era and its ongoing conflicts.