France, which has sent far more soldiers…
March 1856 CE
Peace negotiations at the Congress of Paris result in the signing of the Treaty of Paris on March 30, 1856.
In compliance with article III, Russia restored to the Ottoman Empire the city and citadel of Kars in common with "all other parts of the Ottoman territory of which the Russian troop were in possession".
Russia returns the Budjak, in Bessarabia, back to Moldavia.
By article IV Britain, France, Sardinia and Turkey restore to Russia "the towns and ports of Sevastopol, Balaklava, Kamish, Eupatoria, Kerch, Jenikale, Kinburn as well as all other territories occupied by the allied troops".
In conformity with article XI and XIII, the Tsar and the Sultan agree not to establish any naval or military arsenal on the Black Sea coast.
The Black Sea clauses weaken Russia, and it no longer poses a naval threat to the Ottomans.
The principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia are nominally returned to the Ottoman Empire; in practice they become independent.
The Great Powers pledged to respect the independence and territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire.
