Alexandru Ioan Cuza

Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities

Alexandru Ioan Cuza (20 March 1820 – 15 May 1873) was the first ruler of the United
Principalities and of the national state of Romania.
He was born in Barlad, Moldavia, and studied first in Iasi, then in Paris law and the sciences
of war.
Belonging to the traditional boyar class, Alexandru received a European education and
became an officer in the Moldavian army, reaching the rank of colonel.
He married Elena Rosetti in 1844.
He actively participated in the revolutionary movement of 1848 in Moldavia.
Through all his political activity he continuously supported the union of Moldavia and
Wallachia.
By his election as lord of Moldavia, on January 5, 1859, and of Wallachia, on January 24,
1859, the Union of the two principalities was accomplished.
After the achievement of the union, Alexandru Ioan Cuza and Mihail Kogălniceanu (prime
minister of Romania), initiated important internal reforms: the secularization of monastic
assets (1863), agrarian reform (1864), education reform (1864), justice reform (1864 ) etc.,
which represented a first step in the modernization of the country.
Because he caused the discontent of the radical liberals and conservatives, he was removed
from power in 1866, when Charles of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen was brought to the throne
and named prince.
The “Little Union Day” is celebrated every 24 January, to commemorate the unification of
the two Romanian Principalities and is a public holiday in Romania.
This event it is considered the first step towards the goal of achieving a unitary Romanian
state.