Russia was increasing her influence in the Balkans rapidly which created a doubt in the heart of England that she might establish her control over Constantinople very soon.

The treaty of San Stefano did not do any good to Austria; rather her interests were fully violated in this treaty by not granting her the right of complete hold on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This was why, Disraeli, the Prime Minister of England had a soft corner for Austria. Therefore, England wanted to reconsider and revise the treaty of San Stefano in a Congress of European powers.

Austria was also the supporter of this view of England. Both Russia and England had already concluded treaty and assured each other not to conclude any further alliance, violating the treaties of 1856 and 1871. But the standard of morality had no significance before politics and diplomacy.

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Russia was against this move but England did not want to budge an inch from her decision of the revision of this treaty and wanted to produce the treaty of San Stefano before the Congress of European nations.

No decision could be arrived at immediately but when Russia began to plan the sending of troops to the island of Malta, England started preparations of war. During this time Austria was involved in solving the issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Thus Russia had to agree with England and Austria to place the treaty of San Stefano before the European nations for reconsideration and revision of the terms of the treaty.

Bismarck emphasised making Berlin the venue of the Congress and declared him self to be the ‘Honest Broker’. He acted as the president of the Congress of Berlin which was proposed to be held in July 1878.

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Terms of the Treaty of Berlin, 1878

(i) The formation of Greater Bulgaria was made according to the treaty of San Stefano, but it was partitioned into three parts in the treaty of Berlin. It was a narrow strip between Danube and the Balkans.

In this partition the main parts of Bulgaria where Bulgarians lived in a large number were separated from Bulgaria. The independence of Bulgaria was accepted but she was made a tributary to Turkey.

Roumelia situated to the south of the Balkans formed the other part of Bulgaria. A Christian Governor was appointed to look after its administration. The third part, Macedonia was also placed under the supervision of Turkey.

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(ii) Serbia, Montenegro and Rumania were declared free. The provinces allotted to these countries by the treaty of San Stefano, generally remained with them.

(iii) Bosnia and Herzegovina were placed in the nominal control of Turkey but the responsibility of their administration was given to Austria.

(iv) Russia was given Bessarabia. She also got the provinces of Batoum, Kars and Armenia.

(v) England having concluded a separate treaty got the island of Cyprus. It was also decided that the island of Cyprus would remain with Britain so long as Russia continued her authority on Batoum and Kars.

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(vi) Turkey would get the surplus income of Cyprus which she would utilize for effecting reforms in her Asian Empire. England assured safety of the Turkish empire.

(vii) France wanted to occupy Tunis. The politicians of Berlin assured her that they would not interfere in this matter.

(viii) The Sultan of Turkey promised to grant full religious freedom to all of his. subjects and assured to introduce reforms in the provinces of Crete, Cyprus, Thessaly, Macedonia, Albania etc.