Transylvania's 20th Century Territorial Shifts Between Romania and Hungary
The Transylvania region was contested between Romania and Hungary throughout the first half of the 20th century. After World War I, Romania gained control through military action and the 1920 Treaty of Trianon. Hungary regained northern Transylvania in 1940 via the Second Vienna Award, but Romania permanently secured the entire region after switching sides in World War II, with the 1947 Paris treaties finalizing its possession. This dispute was driven by nationalist movements, shifting alliances, and the redrawing of European borders after major conflicts.
Key facts
- Transylvania was awarded to Romania by the Treaty of Trianon in 1920.
- Hungary regained northern Transylvania through the Second Vienna Award in 1940.
- Romanian forces occupied Budapest in 1919 during the Romanian-Hungarian War.
- Romania switched sides in World War II in August 1944, aligning with the Allies.
- The 1947 Paris treaties restored full Transylvanian control to Romania.
Entities
Institutions
- National Assembly for Romanians in Transylvania and Hungary
- Entente
- Axis Powers
Locations
- Transylvania
- Romania
- Hungary
- Budapest
- Alba Iulia
- Vienna
- Paris