Treaty of Bucharest (1918)
Cotroceni Palace, Bucharest, Romania
What happened
After Russia left the war, Romania was left alone and had to make peace. The treaty, signed at Cotroceni Palace, made Romania cut its army, give most of Dobruja to Bulgaria and the Carpathian passes to Austria-Hungary, and lease its Ploiești oil fields to Germany for 90 years. In return the Central Powers accepted Romania's union with Bessarabia.
Why it matters
The harsh terms took much of Romania's oil and grain, which helped keep Germany in the war through 1918. Romania kept its independence on paper but came largely under German control.
What came next
King Ferdinand never signed it. Romania rejoined the war on 10 November 1918, and the Armistice of 11 November cancelled the treaty.
Did you know?
Romania's parliament ratified the treaty, but King Ferdinand refused to sign or promulgate it, and the November Armistice nullified it within months.
Timeline
- Aug–Sep 1917Battle of Mărășești.
- 7 May 1918Treaty of Bucharest signed.
- 10 Nov 1918Romania re-enters the war.
- 11 Nov 1918Armistice; the treaty is cancelled.