Transylvanian Offensive(1916)
Austria-Hungary victorylandmountain passes
Background
Romania declared war on Austria-Hungary on August 27, 1916, having signed a secret Entente treaty promising Transylvania, Bukovina, and Banat. Timed to coincide with the Somme and Brusilov Offensive.
Campaign: Romanian Campaign 1916
Forces Engaged
Defeated
Romania
Commander: Gen. Averescu
Strength: 440,000
Victor
Austria-Hungary
Commander: Falkenhayn
Strength: 200,000
The Battle
Romania's initial invasion of Transylvania was first successful, then Falkenhayn's counterattack pushed them back through the passes.
“"Our soldiers crossed the border with flowers on their rifles, welcomed as liberators by the Romanian population of Transylvania." — Ion Ghelu Destelnicu, Romanian soldier memoir
Casualties & Outcome
60,000
Romania
casualties
30,000
Austria-Hungary
casualties
~60,000 killed, wounded, and missing (Romanian); ~30,000 killed and wounded (Central Powers)
Austria-Hungary achieved victory over Romania.
Romania initially liberated Brașov and Sibiu but was forced into rapid retreat by mid-September. Opened Wallachia to Mackensen invasion, leading to fall of Bucharest.
Significance & Legacy
The failure forced Romania into a devastating two-front war.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Transylvanian Offensive?
- The Transylvanian Offensive took place in 1916. Aug 27–Oct 1916.
- Who won the Transylvanian Offensive?
- The Austria-Hungary were victorious against the Romania.
- What was the significance of the Transylvanian Offensive?
- The failure forced Romania into a devastating two-front war.
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