Kingdom of Romania

From 1859 to 1877, Romania evolved from a "personal union" of two vassal principalities (Moldavia and Wallachia) under a single prince to a full-fledged independent kingdom with a Hohenzollern monarchy. In 1918, at the end of World War I, Transylvania, and Eastern Moldavia (Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina) united with the Kingdom of Romania, resulting in a "Greater Romania". In 1940, at the beginning of World War II, Northern Transylvania, Basarabia and Cadrilater were ceded to Hungary, Soviet Union and Bulgaria respectively, only Northern Transylvania being recovered after the WW II ended. In 1947 the Monarchy was replaced by a Communist Regime.

Unification and monarchy

The 1859 ascendancy of Alexander John Cuza as prince of both Moldavia and Wallachia under the nominal suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire united an identifiably Romanian nation under a single ruler. On February 5, 1862 (January 24 Old Style) the two principalities were formally united to form Romania, with Bucharest as its capital.

Related Topics:
1859 - Alexander John Cuza - Moldavia - Wallachia - Suzerainty - Ottoman Empire - February 5 - 1862 - January 24 - Old Style - Romania - Bucharest - Capital

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On February 23, 1866 a so-called Monstrous coalition, composed of Conservatives and radical Liberals, forced Cuza to abdicate. The German prince Carol (Charles) of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen was appointed as Prince of Romania, in a move to assure German backing to unity and future independence. His descendants were to rule as the kings of Romania until the rise of the communists in 1947.

Related Topics:
February 23 - 1866 - Carol (Charles) of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen - German - Kings of Romania - 1947

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In 1877, following a Russian-Romanian-Turkish war, Romania was recognized independent by Treaty of Berlin, 1878, acquired Dobruja, though, she was forced to surrender southern Bessarabia to Russia. Charles was crowned as Carol, the first King of Romania, in 1881.

Related Topics:
1877 - Treaty of Berlin, 1878 - Dobruja - Bessarabia - 1881

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The new state, squeezed between the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian empires, with Slavic neighbors on three sides, looked to the West, particularly France, for its cultural, educational and administrative models.

Related Topics:
Austro-Hungarian - Russian - France

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In 1916 Romania entered World War I on the Entente side. Although the Romanian forces did not fare well militarily, by the end of the war the Austrian and Russian empires were gone; governing bodies created in Transylvania, Bessarabia and Bukovina chose union with Romania, upheld in 1920 by the Treaty of Trianon.

Related Topics:
1916 - World War I - Entente - Transylvania - Bessarabia - Bukovina - 1920 - Treaty of Trianon

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Timeline

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1859

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Alexander John Cuza unites Moldavia and Wallachia under his personal rule.

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1862

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Formal union of Moldavia and Wallachia to form principality of Romania.

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1866

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Cuza forced to abdicate and a foreign dynasty is established. Carol I signed the first modern Constitution.

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1877

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(16 April) Treaty by which the Russian troops are allowed to pass through Romanian territory

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(24 April) Russia declares war to the Ottoman Empire and its troops enter Romania

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(9 May) Romanian independence declared by the Romanian parliament, start of Romanian War of Independence

Related Topics:
9 May - Romanian War of Independence

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(10 May) Carol I ratifies independence declaration

Related Topics:
10 May - Carol I

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1878

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Under Treaty of Berlin, Ottoman Empire recognizes Romanian independence. Romania ceded southern Bessarabia to Russia.

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1881

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Carol I was proclaimed King of Romania on March 26.

Related Topics:
Carol I - King of Romania - March 26

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1894

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Leaders of the Transylvanian Romanians who sent a Memorandum to the Austrian Emperor demanding national rights for the Romanians are found guilty of treason.

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1907

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Violent peasant revolts crushed throughout Romania, thousands of persons killed.

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1914

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Death of Carol I, succeeded by his nephew Ferdinand.

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1916

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(August) Romania enters World War I on the Entente side.

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(December)Romanian Treasure sent to Russia for safekeeping, but was not returned after the war.

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1918

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"Greater Romania."

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