Romania in Primul Razboi Mondial. Neutralitatea 1914–1916. Petre Otu

Petre Otu looks at Romania’s choice to stay out of war. His history covers the First World War, from 1914 to 1916. It traces two rival plans for the country’s future. Most of its political leaders sought to join the Entente. Much of the public shared this view. Many on this side felt strong ties to France. They sought to join Romania with Romanian lands under Austro-Hungarian rule.

The other side sought to keep ties with the Central Powers. They wanted to keep this alliance and win back Bessarabia. Russia had seized that land in 1812. They saw Russia as the main threat to Romania’s survival. Both sides claimed to act for the good of the nation. But their goals and means did not match.

The book shows why staying out of war grew hard. Both war blocs sought Romania’s support. Each made its case in terms of war and trade. Vienna and Berlin pressed its leaders to choose a side. Petrograd, Paris and London did so too.