The unification of Transylvania with Romania was the culmination of nationalistic aspirations that had intensified during and after World War I. Throughout the war, various ethnic groups within the Austro-Hungarian Empire sought to redefine their borders and national identities. The desire for unification was especially strong among Romanians in regions like Bessarabia, Bukovina, and Transylvania, where the Romanian language and culture flourished amidst diverse ethnic communities. The political landscape shifted dramatically following the war as empires fell and new nations emerged.

On December 1, 1918, the Great National Assembly convened in Alba Iulia, Transylvania, where representatives from across the region convened. With fervent speeches highlighting the historical ties and the common cultural heritage, several delegates called for the incorporation of Transylvania into Romania. This gathering underscored collective national identity and laid a robust framework for the newly established Romanian state.

The declaration was met with widespread enthusiasm and celebrations across Romanian territories. It was seen not just as a political union, but as a triumph of Romanian nationalism and identity. However, the unification also raised questions about the treatment of minority populations and the challenges of governance in a newly expanded nation.

Following the integration, the newly formed Romania faced the challenge of state-building amidst diverse ethnic groups, including Hungarians, Saxons, and other minorities who had their own national aspirations. The aspirations and tensions during this period would have lasting effects on Romania’s political landscape in the years that followed.