Russian dominance proves illusory, however. While Nicholas…

Russian dominance proves illusory, however.

While Nicholas I is attempting to maintain the status quo in Europe, he adopts an aggressive policy toward the Ottoman Empire.

Nicholas I is following the traditional Russian policy of resolving the "Eastern Question" by seeking to partition the Ottoman Empire and establish a protectorate over the Orthodox population of the Balkans.

Russia had fought a successful war with the Ottomans in 1828 and 1829.

In 1833 Russia had negotiated the Treaty of Unkiar-Skelessi with the Ottoman Empire.

Western statesmen believe mistakenly that the treaty contains a secret clause granting Russia the right to send warships through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits.

As a result, the major European powers intervene and by the London Straits Convention of 1841 affirm  Ottoman control over the straits and forbid any power, including Russia, to send warships through the straits.