Why Romania and Transylvania Are Not One

The reason often given for why Transylvania is not part of Romania today is that Transylvania was once Romanian land, and its population wanted to rejoin it after gaining independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, this question also invites broader reflections on why other historical regions are not parts of their current nations.

Why isn't Germany a part of Bavaria, and why isn't the United States a part of California? Such questions reflect the complex historical, political, and social changes that have shaped modern nation-states.

The Historical Context of Transylvania's Union with Romania

The union between Transylvania and Romania was not inevitable. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Transylvanians, particularly Romanian-speaking inhabitants, displayed loyalty to their Austrian rulers. This loyalty was rooted in their belief that the Emperor stood for their interests, despite the changing political landscape of the time.

Transylvanian Loyalty and the World War I Context

During World War I, Transylvania's Romanian-speaking population maintained a strong loyalty to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They organized their own border militia and fought under the banner of the Emperor, believing in his cause. This loyalty was tested when the situation in the Empire turned against them. Efforts by the Emperor to strengthen his forces and maintain control faced significant challenges, including unauthorized actions by his subjects.

During the final months of the war, as the Central Powers' military situation deteriorated, Romania and Transylvania found themselves in a unique position. While Romania was reorganizing and preparing to fight, the Transylvanian military still owed allegiance to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Romanian Legion, stationed in Vienna, was tasked with maintaining order during the fervent leftist uprising. Despite this, the Transylvanians chose to remain loyal, hoping to influence the outcome of the war in favor of their cause.

The Armistice and Romania's Expansion

The end of World War I saw the signing of the Armistice, which marked the beginning of a new era of political changes. Romania, having emerged victorious, had to confront the challenge of integrating Transylvania, which had recently been under Austro-Hungarian control. However, the Romanian army, which was still largely composed of inexperienced officers and green recruits, faced significant logistical challenges.

With Transylvania now abandoned by the Austro-Hungarian forces, the Romanian army, despite being undermanned and under-supplied, was still considered a potent force by the Communist insurgents in Hungary. The Romanian army's successful exploit on the Tisza River marked a pivotal moment in the war, although it is often misunderstood. The surprising absence of resistance from Transylvania allowed Romania to quickly occupy the region, thereby solidifying its control over Transylvania.

The Transformation of Identity and Governance

After 1919, the identity and governance of newly unified Romania underwent significant changes. Before 1914, the identity of the Old Kingdom of Romania was more corporate than ethnic, meaning anyone living in the country and paying taxes could claim to be Romanian. However, in Transylvania, ethnic origins mattered, leading to a more nationalistic and ethnic-based identity discourse.

The transformation of Romanian identity led to the fabrication of historical narratives, where traditionally diverse backgrounds were reinterpreted as purely Romanian. This process culminated in the late 20th century, where the country became united under a Transylvanian-centric identity. Today, even in regions that were previously distinct, there is a prevailing Transylvanian influence, with many considering themselves "Transylvanians" in a broad sense.

Conclusion

The story of Transylvania and Romania is a complex one of loyalty, identity, and political transformation. While the reasons for Transylvania not being part of Romania are rooted in historical events, the broader cultural and political significance of these transformations reflects the evolution of national identities in Europe.