Romania Cedes Bessarabia to Soviet Union
June 28th, 1940
June 28th, 1940
How Long Ago?
84 years, 8 months, 16 days ago
Location
Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, Romania
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- Joseph Stalin
- Ion Antonescu
Links & References
- Soviet Union
- Kingdom of Romania
- Bukovina
- Bessarabia
- Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina
Tags
Romania Cedes Bessarabia to Soviet Union
Under pressure from the Soviet Union, Romania relinquished control of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, regions with significant historical and ethnic ties. The ultimatum issued by the Soviets left Romania no choice, leading to a rapid diplomatic and military maneuver that ended with the transfer of territory. This event marked a significant shift in Eastern European territorial boundaries, exacerbating tensions in the region.
Ultimatum issued by the Soviet Union
Territory included diverse ethnic groups
Romania faced military threats
Marked significant territorial changes in Europe
What Happened?
In June 1940, amidst the backdrop of World War II and the shifting power dynamics in Europe, Romania faced an ultimatum from the Soviet Union demanding the cession of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina. Bessarabia, a region that had been part of Romania since the union in 1859, boasted a diverse population, including Romanians, Ukrainians, Russians, and Jews, making its loss particularly significant. Northern Bukovina, another area with a complex ethno-cultural composition, had been annexed by Romania after World War I. The Soviet Union, looking to expand its territory and influence in Eastern Europe, capitalized on Romania's weakened state following Germany’s rapid success against France and the overall instability in the region. With the threat of military intervention looming, Romania complied with the ultimatum on June 28, 1940, and the territory was peacefully handed over to the Soviets. This territorial transfer was marked by a significant migration of ethnic Romanians and Jews, who fled the newly established Soviet control.
Why Does it Matter?
The cession of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to the Soviet Union in 1940 fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe. It demonstrated the effectiveness of Soviet foreign policy, employing aggressive tactics to expand its influence. This event also contributed to the long-standing tensions between Romania and the Soviet Union, which would later contribute to the context of the Cold War. The alteration of borders not only reshaped national identities and demographics but also set the stage for future conflicts in the region, including the struggles of World War II and the eventual rise of nationalist movements in the post-war era.
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