The Treaty of Paris of 1856 settled the Crimean War between Russia and Ottoman Empire and its allies France and England. The Treaty was signed on March 30, made the Black Sea neutral and closed it to all warships and prohibited fortifications and the presence of armaments on its shores. The treaty marked a severe setback to Russian influence.

Moldavia and Walachia would stay under nominal Ottoman rule, but would be granted independent constitutions and national assemblies. A project of a referendum was to be set in place to monitor the will of the peoples regarding unification. Also, Moldavia received the south of Bessarabia.