She declared war against Turkey in support of the oppressed provinces of Servia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

In the month of April, 1877, the Russian army crossed the frontier.

Then came the capture of Nikopolis, the repulse at Plevna, the battle of Shipka Pass, another and successful battle of Plevna, the storming of Kars, and then, the Balkans passed,--an advance upon Constantinople.

On the 29th of January the last shot was fired.

The Ottoman Empire had been shaken into submission, and was absolutely at the mercy of the Tsar, who dictated the following terms: The erection of Bulgaria into an autonomous tributary principality, with a native Christian government; the independence of Montenegro, Roumania, and Servia; a partial autonomy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, besides a strip of territory upon the Danube and a large war indemnity for Russia.