Alexandru Ioan Cuza's election as Prince of Wallachia followed his successful tenure as the ruler of Moldavia. This significant moment in February 1859 came after a series of political maneuvers and the rise of national consciousness among Romanians living in the two principalities. The political backdrop included aspirations for national unity and independence from Ottoman influence, which had dominated the region for centuries. His dual ascension to power brought together Moldavia and Wallachia under a single leadership, an act that was well-received by the populace who sought a greater sense of identity and governance.

The union of Moldavia and Wallachia into what was known as the United Principalities was characterized as a personal union, meaning that both principalities recognized Cuza as their prince while retaining their administrative distinctness. Cuza's election was not merely a political maneuver; it was a direct reflection of the burgeoning nationalistic fervor and the aspiration for modernization in Romanian society. His leadership was spearheaded by efforts to implement reforms across various sectors, including education, agrarian laws, and the military. Cuza's policy changes laid the groundwork for the development of a modern Romanian state.

Potentially alarming for imperial authorities, this unification paved the way for political changes that challenged the status quo within the Ottoman Empire. The event echoed throughout Europe, marking a departure from feudal systems towards more contemporary governance. Cuza himself would later face both support and opposition from various factions, but his election was a crucial step towards the eventual recognition of Romania as an independent political entity and the consolidation of Romanian territories.