King Michael I took a bold step in reshaping Romania's wartime stance by ousting Marshal Ion Antonescu, a staunch supporter of Axis powers, particularly Nazi Germany. On August 23, 1944, with the city of Bucharest in turmoil as the Soviet army approached, King Michael convened a meeting with the military and political leaders to plan a coup. The King's move was driven by a desire to safeguard Romania's sovereignty and minimize further destruction. He officially announced the dismissal of Antonescu's government in a radio broadcast, urging the Romanian people to support the new direction toward peace and cooperation with the Allied forces.

Following the King's announcement, a new government was formed, which quickly sought to negotiate peace with the Allies. Meanwhile, Antonescu was arrested and later tried for war crimes. The swift switch from the Axis to the Allied side allowed Romania to avoid the full brunt of Soviet occupation. The change in alliance proved beneficial as it paved the way for Romania to regain some autonomy in the post-war settlement.

The aftermath of this political shift was significant. King Michael's decisive action not only changed Romania's involvement in World War II but also revitalized the national sentiment, as many Romanians had grown disillusioned with the war. The move highlighted the internal struggles within Romania and the critical impact of external pressures from advancing Soviet forces. The King’s actions became a point of national pride and were crucial in reshaping Romania's future, both during and after the war.