Treaty of Bucharest (1916)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Bucharest (1916)?

Subject:

Treaty of Bucharest (1916)

Known for:

A pivotal 1916 military treaty binding Romania to the Entente Powers.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of Bucharest of 1916 was signed between Romania and the Entente Powers on 4 (Old Style)/17 (New Style) August 1916 in Bucharest. The treaty stipulated the conditions under which Romania agreed to join the war on the side of the Entente, particularly territorial promises in Austria-Hungary. The signatories bound themselves to keep secret the contents of the treaty until a general peace was concluded.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1915 Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Thomson, a fluent French speaker, was sent to Bucharest as British military attaché on Kitchener's initiative to bring Romania into the war. But when there he quickly formed the view that an unprepared and ill-armed Romania facing a war on three fronts against Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria would be a liability not an asset to the allies. This view was brushed aside by Whitehall and he signed a Military Convention with Romania on 13 August 1916.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Thompson became head of the British Military Mission. The treaty had two parts: a political treaty (seven articles) and a military convention (seventeen articles).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1915: 1915 Milestone — In 1915 Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Thomson, a fluent French speaker, was sent to Bucharest as British military attaché on Kitchener's initiative to bring Romania into the war.
2. 1916: 1916 Milestone — The Treaty of Bucharest of 1916 was signed between Romania and the Entente Powers on 4 (Old Style)/17 (New Style) August 1916 in Bucharest.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Bucharest (1916)

True or False: “True or false: The Treaty of Bucharest stipulated that Romania could openly discuss the treaty's terms with neutral powers before a general peace was concluded.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty explicitly bound the signatories to keep the contents of the agreement secret until a general peace was concluded, preventing premature leaks.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adriana Caselotti — Historical peer (Born in 1916) (1916): American actress and singer, famed for voicing Snow White in the first Disney feature.
• Ahmed Ben Bella — Historical peer (Born in 1916) (1916): Algerian revolutionary and politician who served as the first President of Algeria.
• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Born in 1915) (1915): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Abba Eban — Historical peer (Born in 1915) (1915): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of Bucharest (1916)