Introduction

The history of territorial changes in Eastern Europe during the early 20th century is complex and often misunderstood. One such event that is frequently misinterpreted is the Romanian annexation of Transylvania from Hungary during the interwar period and subsequent negotiations involving Nazi Germany. This article aims to clarify the historical facts and provide a more accurate understanding of the geopolitical situation.

Historical Context and Transylvania

It is a common misconception that Romania ceded Transylvania to Hungary and Bulgaria during World War II. In reality, Transylvania was always a part of the Kingdom of Hungary and had been so for centuries. The loss of Transylvania by Hungary was not a voluntary act but a consequence of the Treaty of Trianon signed after World War I.

Transylvania, a region rich in cultural and historical significance, was not willingly given by Romania to Hungary. In the aftermath of World War I, Romania, emboldened by its victory, annexed Transylvania, leading to significant ethnic and political tensions that would persist.

The Munich Agreement and Nazi Germany’s Involvement

During the interwar period, Romania found itself caught between two powerful and antagonistic empires: Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union under Stalin. Nazi Germany, in its pursuit of territorial goals, sought to alleviate tensions in Eastern Europe and align itself with Romania and Italy, former allies of Romania during World War I.

The decision to give Transylvania to Romania in 1920, via the Treaty of Trianon, was seen as a punitive measure towards Hungary. In 1940, under the pressure of the occupiers during World War II, Romania was forced to cede Northern Transylvania to Hungary, Romania’s only defense line against the advancing German Wehrmacht. This move was highly unpopular and resulted in significant unrest within Romania.

Nazi Germany, while hostile towards Soviet Russia, did not directly facilitate the annexation of Romanian lands beyond providing pressure through negotiations and military threats. The decision to give territory to Hungary and Bulgaria was made more as a measure of 'divide and rule' rather than a voluntary act by Romania.

Understanding the Treaty of Badahr?z and Bulgaria

Regarding Bulgaria, there were indeed territories in question during the period of 1940. Bulgaria, allied with Germany in World War II, was forced to cede some land to Greece and Yugoslavia under the pressure of the Axis powers. However, the significant ethnic mix in these regions meant that Romania's stance was not entirely rooted in ethnic homogenization.

The Treaty of Badahrdu? (now known as the Treaty of Craiova) was a result of the shifting alliances and military pressures during World War II. Romania, under the influence of Nazi Germany and the advancing Axis powers, was compelled to give back some of the territories it had annexed post-WWI. These moves were not cessions by Romania but rather reconfigurations due to the political and military circumstances of the time.

Conclusion

The historical events surrounding the territorial changes in Romania during the interwar and World War II periods are multifaceted and often misconstrued. Romania did not voluntarily cede Transylvania to Hungary or Bulgaria. The decision to give these territories back was primarily driven by geopolitical considerations and the threat of military force rather than a volontary act.

The ultimate goal of Nazi Germany and other powers was to regain lost territories and exert influence in Eastern Europe. These actions, while often criticized, need to be viewed within the context of the intense geopolitical tensions of the time. Understanding these complex historical events can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of Eastern European politics in the early 20th century.