Germany Declares War on Romania: August 28, 1916

On August 28, 1916, during the height of World War I, Germany declared war on Romania, a significant event that marked the entrance of Romania into the conflict on the side of the Allied Powers. This escalation expanded the war’s scope in Eastern Europe and altered the dynamics of the Eastern Front.

Background

Prior to this declaration, Romania had maintained a stance of neutrality despite pressures from both the Central Powers and the Allies. The country was bound by a secret 1883 treaty with Germany and Austria-Hungary, part of the Central Powers, but shifting geopolitical realities and military prospects led Romanian leaders to reconsider their position.

The Romanian decision to join the Allied Powers was influenced by several factors:

• Territorial Ambitions: Romania aimed to annex territories with Romanian populations, notably Transylvania, which was part of Austria-Hungary.
• Allied Promises: The Allies promised Romania territorial gains and support for its national ambitions.
• Military Developments: Successful Russian offensives and the perception of weakening Austrian forces emboldened Romania to enter the war.

Key Events Leading Up to the Declaration

Romania had signed the Treaty of Bucharest with the Allied Powers on August 17, 1916, and declared war on Austria-Hungary on August 27, 1916. The Romanian government sought to exploit Central Powers’ military distractions and gain a swift military advantage. However, this led to a quick counter-reaction.

The following day, August 28, Germany responded to Romania’s declaration against Austria-Hungary by declaring war on Romania. This effectively drew Romania into the war on the side of the Allies, aligning it against not only Austria-Hungary but also Germany, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire.

Consequences and Aftermath

• Military Campaigns: Germany, alongside its Central Allies, swiftly organized counteroffensives. The joint Central Powers forces launched significant military operations against Romanian territory, culminating in the eventual occupation of Bucharest by December 1916.
• Strategic Impact: This expansion of the war into Romania stretched the resources of both the Central Powers and the Allies. It opened up a new front that the Central Powers had to maintain, diverting resources from other theaters.
• Long-term Effects: Romania’s participation impacted the post-war territorial adjustments, as the nation eventually secured Transylvania following the war’s conclusion and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The entry of Romania into World War I on August 28, 1916, reflected the complex web of alliances and national interests that characterized the conflict. The event underscored the volatility and interconnectedness of European geopolitics amid the broader calamity of the First World War.