1878

1878 was a year of major diplomatic realignments in Europe following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. On March 3, 1878, the Treaty of San Stefano concluded hostilities between the Russian and Ottoman empires, proposing a large Bulgarian state and recognizing the independence of Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro. The settlement also expanded Russian influence in the Balkans and alarmed other great powers.

To revise the preliminary settlement, the Congress of Berlin met in June–August 1878 under the auspices of German chancellor Otto von Bismarck. The Congress curtailed the Russian-advocated Bulgarian arrangement, created the autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia, and recognized Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro as independent states. Austria-Hungary obtained a mandate to occupy Bosnia and Herzegovina, setting the stage for later changes in the region.

In the United States, 1878 saw a key monetary policy decision with the Bland–Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase and coin silver. The act reflected ongoing debates over bimetallism and the coinage standard, influencing monetary policy during the late 19th century.

Industrialization and international trade continued to expand in the late 19th century, with railways, telegraph networks, and manufacturing growing across Europe and North America, while colonial powers expanded or maintained imperial presences in various regions.