Michael I of Romania: Encyclopedia II - Michael I of Romania - Rule

Michael I of Romania - Rule

A regency functioned on behalf of the 5-year-old Michael, but in 1930 Carol II suddenly returned to the country at the invitation of politicians dissatisfied with the regency, and had himself proclaimed King, designating Michael as Crown Prince. In September 1940 the pro-German régime of Marshal Ion Antonescu staged a coup against Carol, whom it considered anti-German. Antonescu had Michael proclaimed King, but as an 18-year-old he could not exercise any authority and served as a figurehead for the Antonescu regime. He already had a reputation for taciturnity. He once said to his grandmother, "I have learned not to say what I feel, and to smile at those I most hate."

In August 1944, however, as the Soviet armed forces approached Romania's eastern border, Michael joined with pro-Allied politicians in staging a coup d'état against Antonescu, whom he placed under arrest. Michael proclaimed Romania's loyalty to the Allies and declared war on Germany, but this did not avert a Soviet occupation.

In March 1945, political pressures forced Michael to appoint a pro-Soviet government dominated by the Communist Party of Romania. Under the Communist-dominated régime Michael again functioned as little more than a figurehead. The government of the Soviet Union decorated him with the Soviet Order of Victory, but in December 1947 the Communists announced the abolition of the monarchy. Michael had to abdicate, and soon after left the country.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Rule", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki