This war was between Russia and an alliance of Britain, France, Turkey, and later Sardinia. Russia wanted to take Constantinople and its Mediterranean seaports. In July, 1853, they occupied Turkish provinces Moldavia and Walachia. Three months later, Turkey declared war on Russia. In March, 1854, the other allies joined the war. They worried about Russia's threat to their interests. An armistice concluded in February, 1856; the Treaty of Paris followed one month later.