The overthrow of Nicolae Ceaușescu occurred during a pivotal episode in Romanian history, amid a wave of anti-communist revolutions sweeping across Eastern Europe. The protests began in Timișoara, where citizens rallied against the oppressive actions of Ceaușescu's government, demanding more freedoms and rights. As unrest spread, the Romanian military switched allegiance, siding with the protesters rather than with Ceaușescu. By December 21, the capital, Bucharest, became the epicenter of a massive uprising. Faced with mounting pressure, the dictator made desperate attempts to cling to power, delivering a defiant speech that only fueled public outrage. On the morning of December 22, as protesters stormed the government's headquarters, Ceaușescu attempted to escape by helicopter, symbolizing the collapse of his regime. Meanwhile, Ion Iliescu emerged as a central figure in the opposition, organizing the demonstrations and pushing for a transition to democracy.

As the helicopters carrying Ceaușescu and his wife lifted off, thousands cheered below, marking the moment as a historic rallying point against decades of oppressive rule. The Ceaușescus were ultimately captured and executed on Christmas Day, showcasing the dramatic and rapid unfolding of events that characterized the Romanian Revolution. The aftermath led to the establishment of a new government, signaling the end of communism in Romania and the beginning of a challenging road toward democracy and market reforms, as well as addressing the massive socio-economic issues that arose from decades of communist rule.