~In the 300’s B.C. the Dacians lived in what is currently Romania. Romania was called Dacia during this period of time. This is important because some of Romania’s current culture evolved from the culture of the Dacians.
~In 1504 Moldavia and Walachia in 1476 fell under Ottoman control. Moldavia and Walachia are currently parts of Romania. Romanian nobles still ruled the principalities but under the Ottoman name. The already poor farmers of this area had to pay higher taxes than before for the Princes. This is important because during these times current Romania’s economy did not ascend under the reign of several rulers. This includes the Ottomans, Romanian nobles, and later on Greek Phanariots sent to control the rebellions against the Ottomans. The economy did not improve until the principalities were unified.
~In 1861 Romania was founded. The principalities Moldavia and Walachia were internationally recognized together and under the title Romania. The current ruler was Prince Alexander John Cuza. He gave more land to peasants and created more schools for the poorer peoples. This was important because once unified and under Prince Cuza’s rule Romania’s economy ascended.
~From 1940 to 1945 Romania fought in World War II. At first they fought for the Germans and then they switched to the Allies with a different leader leading them. This is important because Soviet Union troops fought with Romania during World War II. The troops supported the communist party. With this much power the communist took over by means of murdering political opponents and Romania became a communist country.
~In 1989 the communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu of Romania was overthrown. When army units joined the revolt, fighting began. In December thousands of protestors against the government were shot and killed. On December 25 the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena were found guilty for murder and embezzlement of government funds. They were executed on December 25, without a fair trial. This succesful rebellion was important because afterwards Romanians gained more freedom and in 1990 they had their first free multiparty elections, since the end of World War II.
Nicolae Ceausescu, the former Communist dictator of Romania.
