Romanian War of Independence

Quick Facts: Who was Romanian War of Independence?

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Romanian War of Independence

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The phase of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78) leading to Romania's recognition as an independent state.

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Origins & Early Life

The Romanian War of Independence (Romanian: Războiul de Independență al României) is the name used in Romanian historiography to refer to the phase of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78), in which Romania, fighting on the Russian side of the war, gained independence from the Ottoman Empire. On 16 April [O.S. 4 April] 1877, Romania and the Russian Empire signed a treaty at Bucharest under which Russian troops were allowed to pass through Romanian territory, with the condition that Russia respected the integrity of Romania. Consequently, the mobilization of the Romanian troops also began, and around 114,000 soldiers were massed in the south of the country to defend against an eventual attack of the Ottoman forces from south of the Danube. On 24 April [O.S. 12 April] 1877, Russia declared war on the Ottoman Empire and its troops entered Romania through the newly built Eiffel Bridge, on their way to the Ottoman Empire. Due to great losses, the Russian Empire asked Romania to intervene.

Career & Major Achievements

On 24 July [O.S. 12 July] 1877, the first Romanian Army units crossed the Danube and joined forces with the Russian Army. Romania had been a widely autonomous principality since 1862, when the personal union of Moldavia and Wallachia under Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza was turned into a full union. While it was still technically under the suzerainty of the Sublime Porte, this was a legal fiction. Much like the states of the Holy Roman Empire after 1648, Romania de facto acted as an independent principality. While it conducted a common foreign policy with Constantinople, it had its own constitution, flag, and anthem.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

From 1868, it also had its own currency. Notably, when Romania adopted its first permanent constitution in 1866 under Cuza's successor, Carol I, it did not even consult the Porte. After the declaration of war by Russia in 1877, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich announced his intention of entering Romanian territory. The Romanian parliament announced a special sitting of the chamber on April, 26 to address the issue and the possibility of joining the war and under what terms. On 21 May [O.S. 9 May] 1877, in the Romanian parliament, Mihail Kogălniceanu read the act of independence of Romania as the will of the Romanian people.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1648: 1648 Milestone — Much like the states of the Holy Roman Empire after 1648, Romania de facto acted as an independent principality.
2. 1862: 1862 Milestone — Romania had been a widely autonomous principality since 1862, when the personal union of Moldavia and Wallachia under Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza was turned into a full union.
3. 1866: 1866 Milestone — Notably, when Romania adopted its first permanent constitution in 1866 under Cuza's successor, Carol I, it did not even consult the Porte.
4. 1868: 1868 Milestone — From 1868, it also had its own currency.
5. 1877: 1877 Milestone — The Romanian War of Independence (Romanian: Războiul de Independență al României) is the name used in Romanian historiography to refer to the phase of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78), in which Romania, fighting on the Russian side of the war, gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Romanian War of Independence

True or False: “Did the Romanian government immediately resume paying tribute to the Ottoman Empire after declaring its intent for independence?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Romanian government immediately cancelled paying tribute to the Ottoman Empire, redirecting the funds to the Romanian War Ministry.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolphe Thiers — Historical peer (Died in 1877) (1877): Influential French statesman, historian, and President of the Third Republic.
• Aga Khan III — Historical peer (Born in 1877) (1877): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Andrew Fisher — Historical peer (Born in 1862) (1862): Australian Labor Party leader and Prime Minister of Australia (1862–1928).
• Aristide Briand — Historical peer (Born in 1862) (1862): French statesman known for international reconciliation and peace efforts.
• Christian IV of Denmark — Historical peer (Died in 1648) (1648): Long-reigning monarch of Denmark and Norway; architect of ambitious reforms and military expansion.
• Tirso de Molina — Historical peer (Died in 1648) (1648): Spanish Baroque dramatist and Mercedarian friar, known for creating Don Juan.
• Abdülmecid II — Historical peer (Born in 1868) (1868): Last Ottoman Caliph and prominent Turkish aesthete, head of the Osmanoğlu family.
• Adah Isaacs Menken — Historical peer (Died in 1868) (1868): American actress, painter, and poet known for sensational stage performances.
• Abraham Flexner — Historical peer (Born in 1866) (1866): Pioneering American educator known for reforming US and Canadian medical and higher education.
• Alfred Werner — Historical peer (Born in 1866) (1866): Pioneering Swiss chemist who established modern coordination chemistry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Romanian War of Independence