Romanian People's Republic

This article is about the specific polity Romanian People's Republic and therefore only includes events related to its territory and not to its possessions or colonies. If you are interested in the possession, this is the link to the article about the nation which includes all possessions as well as all the different incarnations of the nation.

If you are looking for the page with the statistics about this polity you can find it here:All Statistics

Due to the Romanian campaigns on the side of the Axis powers and the influence of the neighbouring Soviet Union, Romania became a Soviet satellite state as the People's Republic of Romania in 1947. With the adoption of a new constitution in 1965, the country changed its name to Socialist Republic of Romania.

Summary

The establishment of the Romanian People's Republic in 1947 marked the imposition of a communist regime in the country, following the end of World War II and the growing influence of the Soviet Union in the region.

Under the leadership of the Romanian Communist Party (RCP), the new regime undertook a series of sweeping economic, social, and political changes. This included the nationalization of industry, the collectivization of agriculture, and the suppression of any political opposition.

The early years of the Romanian People's Republic were characterized by tight control, repression, and the consolidation of the RCP's power. However, in the 1960s, the country began to assert a more independent foreign policy, distancing itself from the Soviet Union and pursuing a more nationalist agenda under the leadership of Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej and later, Nicolae Ceaușescu.

This period saw the gradual erosion of the country's democratic institutions and the rise of a highly centralized, authoritarian system. The regime's policies had a significant impact on the lives of Romanians, leading to economic hardship, the suppression of civil liberties, and the marginalization of ethnic and religious minorities.

Establishment

December 1947: King Michael I of Romania was forced to abdicate, and afterwards, the Romanian People's Republic was proclaimed.

Chronology

Interactive Chronologies with maps are available in the section Changes Navigation

1. Events

February 1948: The Soviet Union insisted on signing a protocol defining the border with Romania, which was fulfilled on 4 February 1948. According to this protocol, the Soviet Union would annex the Danubian islands of Tătaru Mic, Daleru Mic, Daleru Mare, Maican and Limba, as well as the Snake Island in the Black Sea.

August 1965: New constitution adopted in Romania.