The influential power in Europe involved in the Crimean War during the 19th century was the Russian Empire. The war, fought from 1853 to 1856, primarily involved Russia against an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia. The conflict arose over territorial disputes and the decline of Ottoman authority, which prompted fears of Russian expansion. The war is notable for its significant military conflicts and the impact of press coverage on public opinion. Ultimately, it ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1856, limiting Russian influence in the Black Sea and reshaping power dynamics in Europe.