Danube Crossing at Bechet(1913)
Background
At the beginning of Prince Carol I's reign, Romania was a small state, with an area of 121,000 km² and a population of approximately 5 million people. Approximately 5 million Romanians still lived in the historical provinces occupied by neighboring empires. Romania's socioeconomic development and national aspirations were severely affected by its status as a vassal of the Ottoman Empire. During the reign of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the Romanian state underwent a broad process of economic, social, and political modernization. These transformations contributed to the consolidation of the struggle for independence, both against the suzerain power and the limitations imposed by the great European powers. Both during Cuza's reign and after his abdication, Romanians living in various European states carried out extensive propaganda activities in an attempt to influence international public opinion in favor of Romanian interests.
Campaign: Second Balkan War 1913
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Romanian forces crossed the Danube at Bechet-Oryahovo, establishing the first bridgehead on Bulgarian soil.
The Romanian War of Independence is the name used in Romanian historiography for the Principality of Romania's participation in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. As a result of this war, the country gained independence from the Ottoman Empire, alongside Serbia and Montenegro. On [date], Romania and the Russian Empire signed a treaty in Bucharest allowing Russian troops to cross the country's territory en route to the Balkans, provided that Romania's territorial integrity was respected. Initially, until late 1877, Russia did not wish for Romania's involvement in the war, not wanting it to participate in peace treaties for the division of territories. However, the Russians encountered strong resistance, suffering heavy losses in repeated assaults and unable to advance beyond the 40,000 soldiers led by Osman Pasha, who had stationed themselves in the fortress of Plevna. Romania declared a mobilization of troops.
Casualties & Outcome
~50 Romanian casualties (mostly accidents during night pontoon work); ~200 Bulgarian (withdrawing border guards)
Romania achieved victory over Bulgaria.
The Treaty of Peace between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire was signed at San Stefano on March 3, 1878. As a result of this treaty, the Principality of Bulgaria was created, and the independence of Montenegro, Serbia, and Romania was recognized. Romania was required to cede the three counties in southern Moldavia (Cahul, Ismail, Bolgrad). The Russian Empire did not show willingness to respect its promises made in the convention signed on April 4, 1877, by the Russian consul Dimitri Stuart (with the approval of Tsar Alexander II) and the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time, Mihail Kogălniceanu.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Demonstrated Romanian military logistics capability in river-crossing operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Danube Crossing at Bechet?
- The Danube Crossing at Bechet took place in 1913. Jul 10, 1913.
- Who won the Danube Crossing at Bechet?
- The Romania were victorious against the Bulgaria.
- What was the significance of the Danube Crossing at Bechet?
- Demonstrated Romanian military logistics capability in river-crossing operations.