This day in history

1919- Romania annexes Transylvania

Transylvania has all the history and multi-ethnic culture you want. The history of Transylvania is much disputed: once it was an integral part of Kingdom of Hungary (950-1526) it was independent Transylvanian Principality (1526-1690) from 1868 it was integral part of the Austrian-Hungarian empire and under its rule. These explain many cultural differences between Transylvania and the rest of Romania. It was home to a majority of Romanians, who had few rights, and ruling minorities such as Hungarian and Saxons. Other minorities included Roma and Jews. After world war I Transylvania became part of the Greater Romania. The relations between the ethnic minorities and majority has known tense times, but there has never been a serious conflict. Even though attitudes of individuals can still be closed towards out groups, Transylvania can be regarded as an example of different ethnic groups living together in peace. However, as the case of whole Europe, the Roma ethnicity is still seriously discriminated from Romanians and their culture far from understood. Communism has been a harsh time for ethnic minorities, especially for those who where small business owners (Hungarians, Jews) before the totalitarian regime. After the revolution in 1989, most Saxons moved to Germany (they settled to Romania in large groups in the 13th century). Romania has not yet become conscious about this huge loss. Many Hungarians left as well.