1-150-612 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

Not Loose Yet, 1870. The British lion keeps a watchful eye on the Russian bear. The bear is shown gnawing at the sturdy rope that shackles him to the Treaty of Paris, referring to the 1856 Paris Treaty concluding the Crimean War. This treaty was signed in 1856 between Britain, Austria and France and was intended to preserve the independence and integrity of the Ottoman Empire. After the Crimean War, Russia had lost much of its influence. Various restrictions were imposed, including the demilitarization of the Black Sea. The Russians also lost all influence in Germany. Now, however, Russia was beginning to make diplomatic noises about the possibility of releasing herself from the covenants of the Treaty. Britain, and the other European powers involved, were reluctant. From Punch, or the London Charivari, November 26, 1870.