Romania is well known for being formed after the union of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859 and later Bessarabia, Bukovina, Translyvania and Banat in 1918 It is very important
(at least to Romanians) how and why those territories were taken because it wasn’t just a simple land grab. Those territories had a long history with the Romanians and already had a Romanian majority, although also significant minorities of other nationalities.
This was the territory Romania took in 1918:
And this was the population census in 1930:
No population exchanges were made between 1918 and 1930. And yet, out of 18 million people, 13 millions
(72%) were Romanian. Despite Romania more than doubling its size from 137,903 km2 before the war to 295,049 km2 after the war. All the newly gained territory, already had a Romanian majority.
Although the Entente ultimately decided what Romania does and doesn't get, as Romania didn't had the military power to rival the Entente's decision, the taken territories were actually unions where the people of those territories formed their own governments that expressed their own desires to both the Entente and their old oppressors on their own initiative, and came forward with terms and conditions to the Romanian government for the unification with Romania. The de facto unions happened in 1918, the recognition of these unions was made in 1920.
The unions were as democratic as they could get for the 1918-1920 period.
In very short:
- Bessarabia: When the February Revolution started in Russia, the region of Bessarabia created the Sfatul Tarii (a government) and declared autonomy, stating that they wish to become a Federal State within the new Russia, after the October Revolution they gave up any plans for autonomy and declared union with Romania. Originally, it was a conditional union and Bessarabia would become a autonomus region within Romania, but after Bukovina and Transylvania also united with Romania, they modified the 27 March act and changed the union to an unconditional one.
- Bukovina: The Romanians of Bukovina formed the General Congress of Bukovina (a govnerment) and shortly after declared unconditional union with Romania.
- Transylvania & Banat: The Romanians of Transylvania and Banat formed the General Assembly and voted for a conditional union with Romania, the Germans of Transylvania were also in favor of union with Romania. Unlike Bessarabia's conditional union, Transylvania was to become an autonomus region for 5 years, afterwards they would lose their autonomus status, arguing that they would need temporary autonomy until the new Romanian state is ogranized and so they can have a say in the constitution of the new Romanian state. Eventually, Transylvanian Romanians dropped this request in favor of unconditional union when politicians in Hungary started making a case that this is proof that the Romanians of Transylvania don’t truly want union with Romania.
Throught the relevant timeline, Romania looked like this:
The National Goal: Union of all Romanians
Romania was a
"Rising Star" in the 19th century. It went from being 2 Ottoman vassal states in 1836 to union, reforms, freedom, kingdom by 1881. Ever since Michael the Brave's short-lived union in 1600, the Romanian principalities of Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania would never be a threat to a foreign power again and would slowly lose territory.
The only somewhat exception to this being Transylvania, who as a state it managed to keep some form of autonomy and economic development, even within the Austrian Empire, however, socially, Transylvania had a Romanian majority but was ruled by the Hungarian minority. According to the Austrian statistics of 1730, the population was 57.9% Romanian, 26.2% Hungarian and 15.1% German. While according to the first population census of 1869 the population was 59.0% Romanian, 24.9% Hungarian and 11.9% German.
In fact, Romania's issue was that almost half of the Romanians in the world lived outside Wallachia and Moldavia, which led to the creation of the national ideal - to unite all Romanians under a single state, "A Romania for all Romanians".
This included the regions where the Romanians represented an ethnic majority: Wallachia (Oltenia, Muntenia, Northern Dobruja - Southern Dobruja was never considered part of this ideal), Moldavia (Moldavia proper, Bukovina, Bessarabia, Budjak), Transylvania (Transylvania proper, Banat (all of it, including West Banat), Crisana (all of it, including Alfold), Maramures (including Carpatho-Ruthenia).
The Greater Romania that was formed at the end of World War 1 was not the maximum extent of Romanian territorial ambitions, but rather the maximum extent of ethnic Romanians' outside Romania. Due to Bessarabia's declaration of independence from USSR in 1917 and declaration of Union with Romania in 1918 and later Bukovina and Transylvania's declarations of union with Romania in 1918 combined with President Woodrow Willson's 14 points, one of which included Austria being divided by ethnic lines, the Romanians only got the parts of Transylvania that included an ethnic Romanian majority. But they wanted all of it: West Banat, Alfold and Carpatho-Ruthenia included, why?
There was no significant Romanian population in West Banat, Alfold and Carpatho-Ruthenia, but Romania argued it had a
"historical right" in those regions. West Banat, Arfold and Carpathian Ruthenia used to be part of the Kingdom of Dacia before the Roman invasion, and more recently one debated source from the Middle Ages called Gesta Hungarorum describes how when the Hungarians arrived in Transylvania there were 3 Romanian counties/voivodships that were conquered: of Gelou, Glad and Menumorut. Gelou's domain included Carpathian Ruthenia, Glad's domain included West Banat and Menumorut's domain included Arfold.
So in short, Romania's national ideal in the 19th century and early 20th was "A Romania for all Romanians", which was not limited to the regions where Romanians were the ethnic majority that it got in World War I, but also included West Banat, Arfold and Carpathian Ruthenia for historical reasons.
The territorial extent of this national ideal
"A Romania for all Romanians" was
"From Dniester to Tisza". Effectively, the borders of an ideal Romania would be: the Tisza river in the west, the Danube in the south, the Black Sea in the south-east and the Dniester River in east and north.
"The phrase "De la Nistru pana la Tisa" (From Dniester to Tisza) is well known to Romanians, it defines the limits of an ideal Romania, though we should note that the Romanian population extends in the east beyond the Dniester, while both banks of the Tisza are completely Hungarian for most of the river's length. To the south, the Danube completes the symbolic geography of Romania: an enclosed space between 3 rivers, with an area of 300.000 sq km, comparable to that of Italy or the British Isles. Rivers then are perceived as natural borders, separating Romanians from Others." - Lucian Boia, Historian (Book - Romania: Borderlands of Europe, published 2001)
Following the 1920's borders and Greater Romania, the Romanian desire for the territories that didn't constitute a Romanian ethnic majority faded as their national ideal was already achieved.
Administrative regions of Romania:
This can be overlaped with this map to see the dominant cultures:
Population:
1859 - 1860 census (Wallachia + Western Moldova) in Romania showed 4.424.961 million population, 94% being Romanian.
1899 census (Wallachia + Western Moldavia + Northern Dobrujia) in Romania showed 5.956,690, 92% being Romanian.
1930 census (all of this) in Romania showed 18.057,028 million population, 12,981,324 million or 71% being Romanian.
The first statistic to record ethnic groups throughout Bessarabia was an incomplete administrative census made in 1843–1844 at the request of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The following proportions were recorded, in a total of 692,777 inhabitants: 59.4% Moldavians, 17.2% Ukrainians, 9.3% Bulgarians, 7.1% Jews, and 2.2% Russians. In the case of some urban centres, figures were not reported for all ethnic groups. Furthermore, the size of the total populations differs from other official reports of the same period, which put the population of Bessarabia at 774,492 or 793,103.
The first official census in Transylvania in which a distinction was made between nationalities (distinction made on the basis of mother tongue) was made by the Austro-Hungarian authorities in 1869, counting 59,0% Romanians, 24,9% Hungarians and 11,9% Germans out of a total population of 4.224.436 people. For the period 1869 there are only estimates of the proportions of various ethnic groups in Transylvania. Thus, Fényes Elek, a Hungarian statistician from the 19th century, estimated in 1842 that the population of Transylvania in the years 1830-1840 was composed of 62.3% Romanians and 23.3% Hungarians.
Fall of Greater Romania Data:
In Northern Transylvania, the Romanian census from 1930 counted 49% Romanians and 38% Hungarians, while the Hungarian census from 1941 counted 39.1% Romanians and 53.5% Hungarians. According to the Romanian estimations in 1940 prior to the Second Vienna Award, about 1,300,000 people or 50% of the population was Romanian and about 962,000 people or 37% of the population was Hungarian, while according to the Hungarian estimations in 1940 shortly following the Second Vienna Award, about 1,150,000 people or 48% of the population was Romanian and about 910,000 people or 38% of the population was Hungarian.
In Bessarabia, the Romanian census from 1930 counted 56% Romanians, 12% Russians and 10% Ukrainians. While the 1941 census during the Romanian wartime administration counted 65% Romanians, 16% Ukrainians, 6% Russians.
In Southern Dobruja, the Romanian census from 1930 counted 37% Bulgarians, 34% Turks and 20% Romanians. While the 1940 census counted 37% Bulgarians, 36% Turks and 26% Romanians. The Tatars, Gagauz and Gypsy were counted as Turks. When Southern Dobruja was restored to Bulgaria under the Treaty of Craiova. The treaty was followed by a mandatory population exchange: about 110,000 Romanians (almost 95% of the total population of Romanians), Aromanians and Megleno-Romanians were forced to leave Southern Dobruja, whereas 77,000 Bulgarians had to leave Northern Dobruja. Only a few hundred Romanians and Aromanians are now left in the region.
According to population statistics, Romania had a population of 19.933.800 people in 1939. The 14th most populous country in the world making up 0.9% of world's population. Ahead of Mexico and Portugal with 19,320,000 and 18,595,400 (colonies included). And behind Belgium and Spain with 22,491,000 (colonies included) and 26,822,800 (colonies included).
This administrative map could be helpful as well:
- Muntenia (Western Wallachia)
- Capital: Bucharest
- Description: this State is the industrial heartland of Romania. Industrial-scale oil production in Romania dates back to 1857, when the world's first systematic oil refinery began operation in Ploiesti. The early oil refiners used wood fires to begin the process of separating crude oil into different petroleum products.
- Oltenia (Eastern Wallachia)
- Capital: Craiova
- Description: Craiova was a mainly argicultural region in Romania.
- Doborgea(North Dobruja)
- Capital: Constanta
- Description: Mainly for sea trade.
- Cadrilater (South Dobruja: Durustor & Cailacra)
- Capital: Silistra
- Desciption: Same as north dobruja, mainly for sea trade.
- Bessarabia (Eastern Moldova)
- Capital: Chisinau
- Description: Mainly an argicultural region
- Moldova (Western Moldavia)
- Capital: Iasi
- Description: Mainly an agricultural region. But MALAXA industries were founded here.
- Bukovina (North Moldavia)
- Capital: Cernauti
- Description: Mainly an agricultural region
- Translyvania (Central Transylvania)
- Capital: Cluj/Alba Iulia
- Description: Have Steel industry
- Szekelyland(Inside Central Translyvania: Odorhei, Ciuc, Trei Scaune)
- Capital: Sfantu Gheorge
- Description: Mainly an agricultural region but with a Hungarian majority
- Maramures (North Transylvania)
- Capital: Satu Mare
- Description: mainly argicultural region
- Crisana (Western Transylvania)
- Capital: Arad
- Description: Mainly industrial region
- Eastern Banat (South Transylvania)
- Capital: Timisoara
- Description: Mainly industrial region.
- Snake Island (that dot on the black sea, lost to USSR after WW2)
- Description: Oil reserves.
The 1848 Revolutions:
Causes:
- Foregin rulers over the Romanian principalities:
* Austrian rule in Transylvania, Banat and Bukovina.
* Ottoman rule in Wallachia, Moldavia and Dobruja.
* Russian rule in Bessarabia.
- Lack of rights and liberties.
- Authoritarian political regime.
- Poor economic state of the Romanian principalities.
Objectives:
- Removing the feudalist leftovers from the Romanian society.
- The emancipation and impropriety of peasants.
- The grand of rights & liberties.
- The removal of foreign rule over the principalities.
- The modernization of Romanian society.
Perpetrators:
- Various secret socities:
* The Bortherhood, in Wallachia
* The Patriotic Association, in Moldavia
* No inherent movement in Transylvania, was formed as a response to the Hungarian's movements' desire to annex Transylvania.
- Support from various newspappers such as "Literal Dacia".
Results:
- In Moldavia, it started with protests in Iasi, Mihail Sturza moderately passed some reforms but eventually arrested the leaders of the petitioners (inculding future ruler of Romania, Alexander Ioan-Cuza), who escaped in Austria and published the 36 points as "The desires of the National Party of Moldavia". Amongst others, this doccumented requested the union of Moldavia with Wallachia. Moldavia's 1848 revolution was the most peaceful.
- In Wallachia, it started with the "Proclamation of Islaz", refused by Gheorghe Bibescu. Armed rebellion started in Bucharest 2 days later. With the strees of Bucharest in warfare, ruler Gheorghe Bibescu approved the "Proclamation of Islaz", but to no avail, eventually abdicated and left for Transylvania. The new revolutionary government established the reforms of "Proclamation of Islaz": removal of boyar ranks, the foundation of the Tricolor as a national flag (the red, yellow, blue; current flag of Romania), the creation of the national guard, the abolishment of the death sentenece, the offering of land to the peasants. Pressed by Russia, the Ottoman Empire intervenes in Wallachia, eventually the Russian troops also enter Wallachia. The revolutionary government fights (made mostly of firefighters and policemen) fight the Ottoman and Russian army in Bucharest. The revolution is defeated. Dimitrie Știrbei becomes the new ruler of Wallachia, but the revolutionary government's reforms remain.
- In Transylvania, it started with the Hungarian revolution on 15 March 1848 (Hungary's national day), the Transylvanian Romanains were initially supportive of the Hungarian revolution, until the Hungarians started their goals as the annexation of Transylvania to Hungary. In response, the Romanian intellectuals organized an assembly at Blaj, 40.000 Romanians adopted the "National Petition". The requests of the "National Petition" were rejected by the Hungarians and the Romanians started building armed forces. Forming 15 legions that attacked the Hungarian administration in Transylvanian cities. In response, Hungarian general Iosif Bem attacked the Romanian revolutionaries, until they retook all of Transylvania except the Apuseni Mountains. The Romanians at Apuseni Mountains led by Avram Iancu resisted the constant Hungarian attacks until the Austrians and Russians defeated the Hungarians on the "western front". In response to the Romanians' help during the Hungarian revolution, the Austrian Emperor granted the Romanains numerous liberties and rights, including administrative offices and schools in Romanian language. These liberties and rights would last for about 19 years, they were reversed by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867. Transylvania's 1848 revolution was the least peaceful.
Possible Ways to Form Romania:
- Wallachian-Moldavian unification.
- Transylvanian-Moldavian unification.
- Transylvanian-Wallachian unificaiton.
If 2/3 Romanian principalities unite, they should have the option to form Romania. Everyone considered themselves more Romanians than Wallachians, Transylvanians or Moldavians. And it was actually the Transylvanians, more specifically the Romanian elites called the
"Scoala Ardeleneasca" (literally: Transylvanian School) that came up with the national ideal of "A Romania for all Romanians" in the 18th century, while Wallachia & Moldavia were still under Ottoman control.
The Transylvanian School had a notable impact in the Romanian culture of both Transylvania, but also of the Romanians living across the Carpathians, in Wallachia and Moldavia, leading to the national awakening of Romania.
Samuil Micu-Klein, Gheorghe Șincai, Petru Maior and Ion Budai-Deleanu, who were members of the Transylvanian School during the era of Romanian national awakening, emphasised the ancient purely Latin origin of Romanians to enhance the political and cultural prestige of Romanians in Western Europe. In 1791, they contributed in the memorandum: "Supplex Libellus Valachorum Transsilvaniae". In this memorandum, they demanded similar rights for the Transylvanian Romanians as those enjoyed by the (largely) Hungarian nobility, the enfranchised Saxon patrician class, and the free military Székelys under the Union of the Three Nations. This document was presented to Emperor Leopold II by the Transylvanian School.
Once Romania is formed:
Possible Romanian-Bulgarian Union (1878)
Shortly after Romania & Bulgaria became independent in the aftermath of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878), the Bulgarians proposed a Romanian-Bulgarian union. They would crown King Carol I (king of Romania) as their king and the Romanians would govern.
King Carol I initially accepted this proposal, but Russia threatened to invade Romania if Romania united with Bulgaria. It was then that King Carol I backed down from the union.
From Wikipedia:
Unsuccessful attempts to unify Bulgaria and Romania into a common state, under either a federation, a personal union or a confederation, made during the 19th and 20th centuries. The idea had great support, especially in Bulgaria, and there were several opportunities to realize it. Proposals usually came from the Bulgarians, but it was the Romanians who were supposed to govern. These ultimately failed because of cultural and political differences between both peoples and the opposition from great powers like Austria-Hungary and especially Russia.
This idea had its historical precedents: Bulgarians and Romanians had first lived together under the rule of the First Bulgarian Empire, which extended its power into areas that form part of Romania today; under the Second Bulgarian Empire, established through the cooperation of Bulgarians and Vlachs (Romanians); and under the Ottoman Empire, which defeated the Second Bulgarian Empire and conquered and ruled territories populated by Bulgarians and Romanians for centuries.
Stefan Stambolov, politically a Russophobe, ended up taking power as regent. Stambolov tried again to establish a personal union with Romania, and negotiations were conducted. Carol I would be the head of such a state with either two separate governments or a single, united one. Though Carol I had an interest in becoming ruler of Bulgaria, Russia strongly opposed this. Russia threatened to break off diplomatic relations with Romania and with invading it and Bulgaria, forcing Carol I to reject the offer.
In the 12th century, an attempt to restore the empire, the Uprising of Asen and Peter, ended in the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The Vlachs (Romanians) counted with numerous participants in this rebellion, especially in its initial phase. They played a decisive role during the creation of the new empire, with its first leaders, the brothers Ivan Asen I, Kaloyan and Peter II, being described as Vlachs by primary (contemporaneous) sources. In fact, Kaloyan was given the title imperator Caloihannes dominus omnium Bulgarorum atque Blachorum ("Emperor Kaloyan, Lord of All Bulgarians and Vlachs") by Patriarch Basil I of Bulgaria and the title Rex Bulgarorum et Blachorum ("King of the Bulgarians and the Vlachs") by Pope Innocent II. Additionally, Moesia, the region where the rebellion began, had a high Vlach population. Over time, the Vlachs lost their relevance, just like the Turkic Bulgars in the first empire, but they left a legacy in the form of several toponyms (place names) that still remain in Bulgaria today.
Supporters of a Bulgarian–Romanian union used the Second Bulgarian Empire as a common ground between the two, and historians now debate whether its historical heritage is Bulgarian or Romanian.
The Bulgarians and the Romanians were already familiar with the concept of national unification. Bulgaria, which was established as an Ottoman vassal state after a war in 1878, united with the Ottoman autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia in 1885, remaining in a personal union with it until 1908, when Bulgaria proclaimed its full independence from the Ottoman Empire. Romanians consider the brief union of the principalities of Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania of 1600 under Michael the Brave the first Romanian national union. Romania itself was the product of a personal union, that of Wallachia and Moldavia between 1859 and 1862 under Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza. This state was initially known as the "United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia", but it was renamed in 1866 to simply "Romania".
Scripted decisions/events with Alt-history possibilities:
1. Dracula becomes a national symbol (triggers: 3 years after Romania is formed): Being the century of nationalism, every nation looked up to the heroes of their past as a symbol of national unity. While one example is Michael the Brave's short-lived union, whose symbol is literally national unity, by far the most popular both in Romania, abroad became Vlad the Impaler, a symbol of independence. Vlad the Impaler is portrayed as a cruel but just ruler who fought for the independence of his country against the Ottoman Empire and was backstabbed by Hungary.
This could possibility lead to a buff in a stat that increases desire of independence or autonomy.
2. In 1866: Romania is looking for a new ruler - Following the overthrow of Alexander Ioan-Cuza, Romania's political situation is uncertain, its existance is uncertain. With the Ottoman Empire at the gates requesting to honor the deal make in exchange for their recognition of the double election, if Romania doesn't find a new ruler fast, and preferably one with substantial external support, the throne may split back into Moldavia and Wallachia. Who should we crown for king?
(a) Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders (historical, refuses; gains support from Belgium)
(b) Prince Carol, Hohlenzoller-Sigmaringen (always accepts; gains support from Germany)
(c) Restore Alexander Ioan-Cuza (The Ottoman Empire gain casus beli against Romania)
3. In 1875: King Carol I/King Philippe builds Peles Palace close to the border - The residential palace, Peles Castle, was built in a mountain region merely 15 km from the border with Transylvania. When asked to explain his decision, King Carol I/King Philippe explained that he build Peles Castle in the middle of Romania, for him Romania being all territories inhabited by Romanians.
Effects: Gets more expansionist desire, gets more national unity, national ideal "A Romania for all Romanians" gets more popularity.
4. Romania becomes a kingdom (triggers: 3 years after Romania gains independence) - No longer an Ottoman vassal, as an independent country, Romania finally becomes the Kingdom of Romania, with Prince Carol/Philippe being crowned as King Carol/Philippe.
Effects: gain prestige.
5. In 1883: Germany proposes secret treaty of alliance (only have this option if you picked King Carol I; if you picked King Philippe Belgium or UK proposes an alliance). - Although Austria owns Transylvania, Bukovina and Banat, regions with predominantly Romanian population, one cannot remain isolated when Russia and Bulgaria are allies. If Romania doesn't become the 4th memeber of the Triple Alliance with Germany, Austria and Italy; it will become easy pickings for the combined forces of Russia and Bulgaria. King Carol I's German origins will see that the Kaiser honors his agreement. The treaty is only a defensive pact, in case we are the aggressors in a war, we are all alone.
(a) Accept (historical)
(b) Refuse
6. In 1914 (IF ROMANIA ACCEPTS IN 1883): Austria-Hungary requests help in the Great War - When World War I starts, Austria-Hungary offers Romania to join the war invoking the treaty of 1883. However, Romania is not bound to honor the treaty on the grounds that the attacks on Austria were not
"unprovoked", as stipulated in the treaty of alliance. Fighting on the side of Austria against Russia will likely give us Bessarabia, a region predominantly Romanian lost in 1812 to the Russian Empire. However, fighting against Austria will likely give us Transylvania, Bukovina and Banat, 3 predominantly Romanian regions that haven't seen Romanian rule is the voivodships of Gelou, Glad and Menumorut. What shall we be, we strike East for Bessarabia? or wait for a better opportunity?
(a) Accept (Romania joins the central powers)
(b) Demand minor territorial concessions (Austria gets event: Romania requests Bukovina & Southern Transylvania to join the war)
(c) Demand major territorial concessions (Austria gets event: Romania requests Bukovina, Transylvania and Banat to join the war)
(d) Refuse (historical)
7. In 1915 (IF YOU PLAY AS GERMANY & ROMANIA REFUSES IN 1914 BUT IS STILL NEUTRAL): Pressure Austria-Hungary to give minor concessions to Romania -> Offering them Bukovina and Southern Transylvania in exchange for joining the war.
(a) Germany pressures Austria (historical)
(b) Germany doesn't presure Austria
(a1) Austria accepts
(a2) Austria refuses (historical)
(1.a) Romania accepts the deal (joins the central powers)
(1.b) Romania refuses
8. In 1916: The Entente promises Banat, Transylvania and Bukovina - Romania has never been the center of the world, 100 years ago, most people wouldn't even know where Bucharest is, but ever since the World War started, the world's eyes have been turned on Romania. Located in a critical position between the Central Powers and the Entente, the whole world is looking to see in which direction Romania will turn. Afraid of the prospect of Romania joining the Central Powers, the forces of the Entente came with a bold deal: All of Banat, including West Banat, all of Transylvania, including Alfold and Carpatho-Ruthenia, all of Bukovina; in exchange for Romania joining the Entnete, along with an ultimatum
"now or never".
(a) accepts (historical)
(b) refuses
9. In 1921: The Little Entente is signed - a defensive treaty with Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia is signed, led by Czechoslovakia, with the goal of containing Hungary.
(a) accepts (historical)
(b) refuses
10. In 1926: The Polish-Romanian alliance is signed - a defensive treaty between Romania and Poland aimed against the Soviet Union.
(a) accepts (historical)
(b) refuses
The Population Situation:
| Transylvania: Ethnicity\Year | 1787 Austrian Statistics | 1850 Population Census | 1910 Population Census |
| Romanian | 63.5% | 59.1% | 53.8% |
| Hungarian | 24.1% | 25.9% | 31.6% |
| German | 12.4% | 9.3% | 10.7% |
| Whole Banat: Ethnicity\Year | 1774 | 1840 | 1900 |
| Romanians | 58.5% | 55.3% | 40.4% |
| Slavs (Mainly Serbs & Croats) | 26.6% | 19.4% | 17.6% |
| Germans | 14.1% | 19.4% | 25.3% |
| Hungarians | 0.6% | 5.8% | 11.9% |
Bukovina:
| Year | Romanians | | Ukrainians | | Others (Germans, Jews, and Poles) | | Total |
|---|
| 1774 | 40,920 – 64,000 | 59.6% – 85.33% | 8,000 – 22,810 | 10.6% – 33.2% | 3,000 – 4,970 | 4.0% – 7.2% | 51,920 – 91,780 |
| 1848 | 209,293 | 55.4% | 108,907 | 28.8% | 59,381 | 15.8% | 377,581 |
| 1851 | 184,718 | 48.5% | 144,982 | 38.1% | 51,126 | 13.4% | 380,826 |
| 1880 | 190,005 | 33.4% | 239,960 | 42.2% | 138,758 | 24.4% | 568,723 |
And Bessarabia:
| Year: | Romanians: | Ukrainians: | Russians: |
| 1843 | 59.4% | 17.2% | 2.2% |
| 1850 | 51.4% | 21.3% | 4.2% |
| 1919 | 64.0% | 9.7% | 2.8% |
Romania was a lot like Poland in many ways.
The regions of Wallachia & Moldavia is where they had some form of independence.
But also: Banat, Transylvania, Bukovina and Bessarabia were full of Romanians.
I think over half of the Romanians lived outside Wallachia & Moldavia in the 19th century.
