England, Sardinia, Prussia, Austria and France, on the one hand, and Russia, on the other, took part in the work.

During 1856-1871 The Russian Empire fought for the abolition of restrictions under this agreement. The government did not like the fact that the Black Sea border was left open to sudden siege. After long negotiations, the incomplete abolition of the articles of the Paris Peace Treaty, namely the lifting of the ban on maintaining a fleet in the Black Sea, took place thanks to the London Convention in 1871.

Crimean War

After the dissolution of all diplomatic and economic relations between Russia and Turkey in 1853, the former occupied the Danube principalities. The Turkish government did not tolerate such an attitude towards itself and on October 4 of the same year declared war. The Russian army was able to push Turkish troops away from the banks of the Danube, as well as repulse their offensive in the Transcaucasus. She coped well with the enemy at sea, who was heading to the very center of events. After such actions, Great Britain and France enter the war. They successfully pass through the Black Sea and surround the enemy army. On March 27, England declares war on Russia, and France does the same the next day. A month later, the Anglo-French army tries to land near Odessa, having previously fired locality of 350 guns. On September 8, 1854, the same troops defeat Russia and stop in Crimea. The siege of Sevastopol begins on October 17. The troop locations numbered about 30 thousand people; The settlement suffered from 5 large-scale bombings. After the French conquest of the southern part of Sevastopol Russian army retreats. Throughout the siege (349 days), the empire tries in every possible way to distract the enemy, but the attempts are unsuccessful. Sevastopol comes under the control of Anglo-French troops.

The Treaty of Paris of 1856, signed on March 18, ended hostilities. It provided for the liberation of the Black Sea (becoming neutral), reducing the Russian fleet to a minimum level. The same obligations were imposed on Turkey. In addition, the Empire remains without the Danube estuary, part of Bessarabia, and power in Serbia, Wallachia and Moldavia.

Treaty of Paris

Due to the tragic resolution of the Crimean conflict for Russia, it is becoming infringed on its rights and interests. Surprisingly territorial boundaries The empire was virtually unscathed. She gave up some islands, principalities and the mouth of the Danube in exchange for cities such as Sevastopol, Kinburn and others. The only downside was that the territories obtained as a result of the peace treaty were besieged allied forces. What hit Russia hardest was that the Paris Peace Treaty of 1856 limited its possessions on the Black Sea, prohibiting it from having a fleet, arsenals, and fortresses.

The agreement influenced the European social situation, the foundations of which were laid in the Vienna Treaties. Paris became the leader of all Europe, and former St. Petersburg was relegated to second place.

Terms of the Paris Peace Treaty

The Treaty of Paris included 34 mandatory and 1 temporary articles. The main conditions are the following:

1. Between the countries concluding the treaty, peace and friendliness now reign.
2. Territories conquered during the conflict will be liberated and returned to their original owners.
3. Russia undertakes to return Kars and other parts of the Ottoman possessions that are now occupied by troops.
4. France and Great Britain undertake to return to the Empire the captured ports and cities: Sevastopol, Evpatoria and others occupied by the Anglo-French army.
5. Russia, France, Great Britain and Sardinia must offer their forgiveness to those who were somehow responsible for the outbreak of hostilities.
6. All parties undertake to immediately return prisoners of war.
7. The Treaty of Paris of 1856 obliges the countries that signed the document to help the allies in the event of an enemy attack; carefully observe the conditions without violating them.
8. If a conflict or disagreement arises between any of the countries that have concluded the treaty, others do not use force to resolve it, giving the opportunity to settle everything peacefully.
9. None of the rulers interferes in the external and domestic policy neighboring state.
10. The entrance to the Bosphorus and Dardanelles remains closed.
11. The Black Sea becomes neutral; It is prohibited to have a fleet on it.
12. Trade is allowed on the shores of the Black Sea, which is subject only to the relevant department.
13. It is prohibited to have an arsenal on the Black Sea.
14. The number and strength of ships are determined by this agreement and cannot be exceeded.
15. Duties on navigation on the Danube are abolished.
16. An approved team will monitor the cleaning of the river banks, etc.
17. The created commission should subsequently draw up rules for navigation and cargo transportation, remove obstacles for convenient patrolling of the maritime territory.
18. The Coastal Commission will be given the necessary power to ensure that the work it undertakes to do is completed after 2 years.
19. Each country is allowed to have 2 light vessels on the banks of the Danube.
20. The Russian border near Bessarabia is being shifted for convenient navigation along the Danube.
21. Those territories liberated by the Russian Empire will be annexed to Moldova.
22. No one has the right to interfere in the internal politics of the Wallachian and Moldavian principalities.
23. The Ottoman Empire undertakes not to interfere in the politics of the allied countries, leaving them the right to independent rule; leaves complete freedom of choice in religion, trade, navigation and general legislation.

Cancellation of the Paris Peace Treaty

After accepting the Russian-English peace, Russia tried to soften the restrictions, thereby regaining the Black Sea and the opportunity to have a fleet. That is why they flourish at this time diplomatic relations. During 1856-1871 The Empire established profitable relations with France: it planned to receive help from Russia in the Austro-French conflict, and the latter counted on French influence in the eastern question.

The Paris Conference, which lasted until 1863, became decisive in Russian-French relations. The countries became noticeably closer and jointly resolved some issues. March 1859 was important for France because a secret treaty was concluded under which the Empire promised to remain neutral in the event of war with Austria. The deterioration of relations is observed during the Polish uprising. As a result of these actions, Russia is improving relations with Prussia.

After being strengthened in 1872, Berlin hosted 3 emperors. A convention begins, during which Austria also joins. According to the Berlin Treaty, adopted at this time, the abolition of the articles of the Paris Peace Treaty becomes a matter of time for Russia. She regains her fleet in the Black Sea and lost territories.

On March 30, 1856, at a congress in Paris, a peace treaty was signed between coalition on the one hand, which included many allied countries, and Russian Empire. The hostilities, which lasted about two and a half years, could not lead to the desired result for any of the conflicting parties.

In case of continuation of hostilities in which no one was interested, the coalition suffered heavy losses, fighting, in fact, far from their territories. Constantly landing troops was too costly and energy-intensive. The Russian Empire did not want to lose its grip on European and Black Sea borders, and if the war continued, there was a possibility of losing influence in these territories.

Brief description of the Crimean War

The cause of the conflict is the desire of the Russian Emperor Nicholas I to separate from the weakened Ottoman Empire Balkan territories, supporting the struggle of the Orthodox Slavs against the influence of the Muslim empire. The conflict began to develop United Kingdom, in whose interests was it to oust Russia from Europe and knock it down from its dominant position in Russian-Turkish war. The British were supported by France, in the person of Napoleon III, who wanted to strengthen his power through “revenge” for 1815. (Russian capture of Paris). Several more countries joined the alliance and supported the military conflict. Also participating on the side of the coalition under the influence of Turkey were: the North Caucasian Imamate, the Circassians and the Principality of Abkhazia. Neutrality was occupied by the Kingdom of Prussia, the Swedish-Norwegian Union and the Austrian Empire. The indecisiveness of Russian military leaders made it possible for coalition troops to land on the territory of Crimea, from where the Allied army began its advance to the East. The result of the war was the Treaty of Paris.

Participating countries

At the Paris Congress, representatives of the following countries arrived from the coalition: Great Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire, Austria, Prussia and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The second side was represented by the Russian Empire without support or any allies.

Representatives

Each side nominated two diplomats. The meetings of the congress were chaired by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Walewski.

Main articles of the agreement

In Article III of the Paris Route Russian Emperor pledged to return Turkey city ​​of Kars and other Ottoman possessions occupied by Russian troops.

In Article XI it was announced that from now on the Black Sea is neutral, which implies a ban on the passage of military vessels through these waters (i.e. this article deprive Russia of its naval fleet).

In XIII it is prohibited to keep in coastal areas military docks and arsenals, for the rapid deployment of a naval flotilla.

Article XXI states that the lands given by Russia go to the Principality of Moldova under Turkish rule.

Article XXII states that the Moldavian and Wallachian principalities remain under Turkish rule.

In Article XXVIII, the Principality of Serbia also remains under Turkish rule.

Also into the politics of the principalities and their independence Türkiye has no right to interfere, according to agreements with European countries.

Result of negotiations

The result was humiliating for Russia, since it was deprived of one of its most significant advantages - the most powerful fleet on the Black Sea. The surrender of the conquered territories from the Russian Empire by the coalition was not such upsetting news as the deprivation of one of the trump cards in waging a war with Ottoman Empire.

Articles contested by Russia

At the time of signing the Paris Peace Treaty, none of the articles could be challenged. But in 1871 London Convention It was possible to cancel some of the articles by drawing up a new agreement.

Thanks to the new treaty, both Russia and Türkiye had the right to have any number of navies in the Black Sea. This was a real diplomatic victory for Russia.

Document lifetime

The Paris Peace Treaty existed in the form in which it was signed for 15 years. During this time, the Russian Foreign Minister A. M. Gorchakov, was able to revise the articles of the document and find convincing arguments for creating a new treatise.

Reflection in history

The Paris Peace Treaty changed the situation in Europe. Russia was placed within strict limits, which limited its capabilities in the war with the Ottoman Empire, even if it had weakened. A system built on conditions Russian Empire since 1815 (Vienna Treaty), completely collapsed. Karl Marx, as a contemporary of what was happening, wrote the following: “ Supremacy in Europe passed from St. Petersburg to Paris».

References:

• State publication of political literature - “Collection of treaties between Russia and other states 1856-1917” - Moscow edition - 1952, 450 p.

Russian-English peace 1856

Treaty of Paris completed Crimean War 1853-1856 (in 1853 - Russian-Turkish, since 1854 - Russia against Turkey, Great Britain, France and Sardinia).

Comment:

The Treaty of Paris of 1856 ended the Crimean War of 1853–56. Signed on March 18 (30) at the Paris Congress by representatives of Russia, on the one hand, England, France, Turkey, Sardinia, as well as Austria and Prussia participating in the negotiations, on the other. According to the P.M.D., Russia returned Kara to Turkey in exchange for Sevastopol, Balaklava and other Crimean cities captured by the allies. The Black Sea was declared neutral, Russia and Türkiye were deprived of the right to have a military presence on the Black Sea. navy and naval arsenals. This was the most difficult condition for Russia, which infringed on its state. sovereignty. Freedom of navigation on the Danube under international control was proclaimed. commissions. Russia transferred the mouth of the Danube and part of the South to the Moldavian principality. Bessarabia. All powers pledged not to interfere in internal affairs. affairs of Turkey and jointly guaranteed the autonomy of the Danube principalities and Serbia while maintaining the upper hand over them, the power of the Sultan. To finalize the position and rights of the Danube principalities, it was decided to convene a special meeting. conference (Paris Conference 1858), although Russian. The delegation insisted on the immediate unification of Moldova and Wallachia and the maximum weakening of the tour. influence on them. Patronage over Christian subjects in Turkey, exercised by Russia before the war, was transferred to Europe. to the powers. Three conventions were attached to the P.M.D. The 1st mainly confirmed the London Convention of 1841 on the closure of the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits to the military. courts of all countries except Turkey; The 2nd established the number of light troops. ships of Russia and Turkey on the Black Sea for guard service(6 steam ships of 800 tons each and 4 ships of 200 tons each for both sides); The 3rd obligated Russia not to build a military station on the Aland Islands in the Baltic Sea. fortifications P. m. d. weakened the international. Russia's influence in Europe and in eastern affairs led to an even greater aggravation of the so-called. Eastern Question, contributed to the further expansion of the West. powers on Bl. East and turning Turkey into a semi-colony. The victory of Russia in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–78, which ended with the Treaty of San Stefano, caused the replacement of the P.M.D. with a new treatise adopted at the Berlin Congress of 1878.

P. M. Tarasov.

Materials used Big Soviet encyclopedia in 8 volumes, vol. 6

Publication:

Collection of treaties between Russia and other states. 1856-1917. M., 1952, p. 23-24.