Romania marks 167 years since the “Small Union” of the Romanian Principalities on January 24

Romania’s annual January 24 celebration marks the 1859 Union of the Romanian Principalities, or the Small Union, when Moldavia and Wallachia united to create Romania. The event took place 167 years ago and laid the foundation of the modern Romanian state.

The Union, however, did not happen at once, nor was it easily achievable. It involved the great powers of the age, shrewd political maneuvers from local elites, and continued efforts on the part of the population.