Rethinking Romania's History: From Dacian Roots to Communist Inventions
When examining the historical narrative of Romania, one must approach the topic with a critical eye. A video that purports to be a comprehensive overview of Romanian history is, in my opinion, overly simplistic and riddled with inaccuracies. It is akin to learning about the ancient history of the Middle East and Mediterranean from a children's Bible story, which, though well-intentioned, leaves much to be desired in terms of historical accuracy.
Before and After 1965: A Shift in Historical Narrative
Before 1965, the history of Romania was a much more straightforward narrative. The story began with the legendary founding figures Remus and Romulus, with the highlight being the Roman Empire's conquest of Dacia. The narrative then suffered a setback when Aurelian abandoned the attempt to recapture the territory from the Goths. Thereafter, the focus shifted to the gradual migration and eventual reconquest of the eastern and southern regions by the Romanians. The timeline continued with the unification of Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859 and then again in 1918. The period before World War II saw Romania's ill-fated participation, and the cataclysmic events of WWII led to territorial losses.
The Role of the Communist Regime and the Soviet Union
During the 1950s and early 1960s, a significant shift in the narrative of Romanian history took place under the influence of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union proposed a specialization plan, with Romania aiming to emulate the economic structure and development path of the Morgenthau Plan. However, Romanian Communists, under the guidance of Nicolae Ceau?escu, opposed this plan vehemently and provided alternative arguments to avoid it.
One of the main arguments the Romanian Communists presented was the idea that every nation needed to be allowed to develop fully, regardless of their status as a remnant of a multinational empire. This argument directly counteracted the prevailing Soviet attitude, which doubted Romania's status as a real nation. Notably, a phrase attributed to Soviet military leaders like general Kiseleff in the 1830s and Ilya Ehrenburg during World War II suggested that Romania lacked a coherent national identity. Such doubts were explicitly expressed by the Soviets, referring to Romania as a "prison of nations."
The Resurrection of Dacian Ancestry
Due to these challenges, the period directly after 1965 saw a resurgence of interest in Romania's Dacian past. Previously, excessive focus on the Dacians was considered a form of mental disorder known as dacomania. However, beginning in the mid-1960s, extensive efforts were made to elevate the Dacians to the status of ethnic ancestors. This involved rebranding Roman forts and temples as "Dacian architecture," renaming tribal names, commissioning films, and even showcasing alternative rock music. The Soviet purge of old historical texts, such as those mentioning Barbu Catargiu's speeches, further solidified the change in narrative.
The Historical Deception and Its Aftermath
The efforts to rebrand history proved successful, as younger generations now regard the fabricated Dacian narrative as accurate. This shift in historical understanding illustrates a deliberate and deliberate manipulation of historical memory. The book Nationality Policy in the Soviet Union, authored by John Hicks Spinelli, provides critical insights into Soviet policies and their implications, including why the Soviet Union's collapse led to the formation of independent nations.
Concluding Thoughts
As we explore Romania's history, it is crucial to recognize the layers of fabricated narratives that were created over time. From the influence of the Soviet Union to the strategic rebranding of the Dacian past, understanding the true historical context requires a nuanced approach. Resources that provide a balanced and historically accurate view are essential for those seeking to understand the complexities of Romania's past.
Key References:
Nationality Policy in the Soviet Union by John Hicks Spinelli The Morgenthau Plan - Wikipedia Barbu Catargiu's speeches -