What were the initial Rumanian demands at Versailles and the Allied reaction to them?
Some of the demands included gaining a part of Bessarabia Russia, and Bukoniva. Even before a final decision had been made on these demands, Rumania had already occupied Bukoniva and the Hungarian Transylvania. As stated by Bratianu, all of these regions were ethnically and historically part of their country. The Rumanians also claimed the entire Banat. The decision was prompted by earlier agreements such as the Treaty of Bucharest and the Wilsonian argument, which stated that all Rumanians should live within the same country. According to him, Rumania had made numerous sacrifices, and it was necessary that it is rewarded by being given Banat. Finally, he stated that the Serbians, who also wanted Banat, had shifted their allegiance to Austria-Hungary previously.
Following these demands, the Allies agreed to hand over Bukoniva and Bessarabia to Rumania. They considered the alternative, which was to leave these territories to Bolshevik Hungary and Bolshevik Russia. Given that both of these were smaller territories, there were few complications. However, Transylvania was larger and could lead to several complications. As such, the Allies thought the issue could be handled at a later date when working on the Hungarian treaty.
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The Allies also refuted some of the arguments which were being used by Rumania in its claim for Banat. An example is by stating its record during the war, while in reality, Rumania was not an active participant. On the other hand, it had remained aside as the war commenced so that they could take sides with the winning nations. It was only when it became clear that the Allies would emerge the winners of the war that the country joined the battle. However, just after Rumania entered the war, the Central Powers embarked on another campaign, resulting in the death of millions, which the Allies blamed on Rumania.
Additionally, Rumania entered into an agreement with the Central Powers, the Treaty of Bucharest. The new deal directly violated the Treaty of Bucharest with the Allies, which clearly stated that Rumania could not have similar agreements with other nations. It was therefore assumed by the Allies that since Rumania did not uphold its end of the bargain, they were also not entitled to keep the promises made at the Treaty of Bucharest.
What was the primary reason for this Rumanian success at Versailles?
The primary reason for the success of Rumania at Versailles was based on its strategic location. The location, between Hungary and Bolshevik Russia, it was considered of crucial importance for Europe in its campaigns against Bolshevism. On the other hand, Rumania was a considerable distance away from the Allies, and this made it impossible for the Allies to force them to abide by their guidelines. As such, when nations needed the support of Rumania, they often made promises that sounded pleasing, but which could be almost impossible to enforce. Bratianu also made it known that if Rumania could not be given Banat, the next step would be to resign, creating a perfect opportunity for the Bolsheviks to overrun the country. However, while some of Rumania’s demands were agreed to in Versailles, some of them were forwarded to a subcommittee of experts.
Who convinced the French and British but struck out with the Americans in the effort to grant Rumania more land?
Ion Bratianu managed to get the British and French support in his quest for more land for Rumania. In the case of America, he accused Hoover of suspending food supplies and loans as a bargaining tool to enable them to get oil concessions in the country.
