Fall of Bucharest(1916)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Bucharest city center
Coordinate source: latitude.to Bucharest 44.4323, 26.1063
Background
On 27 November 1916, three main events took place which enabled the Central Powers to commence the offensive towards Bucharest: following a successful holding action at Slatina, the Romanians abandoned the line of the Olt River, the German 9th Army and Mackensen
Campaign: Romanian Campaign 1916
Forces Engaged
The Battle
After defeats on multiple fronts, Bucharest fell. The government fled to Iași in Moldova.
The Battle of Bucharest, also known as the Argeş–Neajlov Defensive Operation in Romania, was the last battle of the Romanian Campaign of 1916 in World War I, in which the Central Powers' combatants, led by General Erich von Falkenhayn, occupied the Romanian capital and forced the Romanian Government, as well as the remnants of the Romanian Army to retreat to Moldova and re-establish its capital at Iaşi. The battle was of defensive nature, as the Romanian Army was joined by a part of the Imperial Russian army. The Romanian Army, led by General Constantin Prezan, had previously been unable to stop the German counterattack in Muntenia.
Casualties & Outcome
~30,000 killed, wounded, captured (Romanian/Russian); ~10,000 killed and wounded (Central Powers)
Central Powers achieved victory over Romania.
Bucharest fell on December 6th - Mackensen's birthday. The government and army retreated to Moldova. Bucharest remained under occupation until November 1918.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Romania lost two-thirds of its territory. The darkest hour before 1917.
The sheer number of troops involved, as well as the large area of operations, make it one of the most complex battles fought on Romanian soil during the war.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Fall of Bucharest?
- The Fall of Bucharest took place in 1916. Dec 6, 1916.
- What was the outcome of the Fall of Bucharest?
- The Central Powers were victorious against the Romania.
- What was the significance of the Fall of Bucharest?
- Romania lost two-thirds of its territory. The darkest hour before 1917.