Romanian Intervention in Bessarabia(1918)
Background
The security of the remaining free territory of Western Moldavia depended on that of Eastern Moldavia, where Romanian army depots had been established and where communication routes essential for the supply of ammunition and combat equipment were located. This security was jeopardized when the chaos associated with the major political changes within the Russian Empire reached Bessarabia. Additionally, from a political standpoint, the disappearance of the Russian autocracy and the Bolshevik government's decision to recognize the right to self-determination created favorable conditions for Bessarabia to detach from the Russian state and unite with Romania. In this context, the Central Powers became interested in granting territorial compensations to Romania, linked to the territorial concessions that they would later impose on her through the Treaty of Bucharest. Known as Bessarabia, the territory had been annexed by Russia and was subsequently gradually colonized and Russified.
Campaign: Romanian Intervention in Bessarabia 1918
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Romanian forces crossed into Bessarabia, fought at Bender, and occupied Chișinău. Led to the union of Bessarabia with Romania on Apr 9, 1918.
The Romanian Army's intervention in Bessarabia in 1918 represented a military action initiated and conducted using specific means by the Romanian Army within the geographic area of Bessarabia between December 1917 and March 1918. The operation was carried out based on an agreement between the Allies and requests for military assistance from the Government of the Moldavian Democratic Republic, also with the approval of the Central Powers. The political and strategic context of the action was represented by several elements: * The first element was associated with the inability of the General Directors' Council of Bessarabia to control the situation in the newly established Moldavian Democratic Republic. This republic was threatened by the pressures of Bolshevik forces being organized on the territory of the former gubernia, and the council's inability was a reason to request assistance, including from the Romanian Government.
Casualties & Outcome
125 killed, ~363 wounded (Romanian); ~2,000 total (Bolshevik)
Romania achieved victory over Bolshevik forces.
The losses suffered by Romanians in the final phases of the intervention in Bessarabia amounted to 488 people (25 killed, 312 wounded, 151 missing). This was followed by the collapse of the front in Donbass by the Southern Russian Army (AFSR), as a result of the Battle of Donbass. Relations between Romania and the Soviet Union were only resumed in December 1934. On January 10/23, the Central Executive Committee of the Ukrainian People's Republic (RUMCEROD) On January 13/26, 1918, the Soviet government decided to break diplomatic relations with Romania. On the same day, the Council of People's Commissars of the Russian Soviet Republic declared a state of war between Romania and Russia. On January 23/February 5, 1918, the Central Executive Committee of the Ukrainian People's Republic (RUMCEROD) declared a state of war with Romania.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Secured Bessarabia for Romania, creating a buffer from Bolshevik Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Romanian Intervention in Bessarabia?
- The Romanian Intervention in Bessarabia took place in 1918. Jan 19–Mar 8, 1918.
- Who won the Romanian Intervention in Bessarabia?
- The Romania were victorious against the Bolshevik forces.
- What was the significance of the Romanian Intervention in Bessarabia?
- Secured Bessarabia for Romania, creating a buffer from Bolshevik Russia.