Romanian Military, Political Leader. Antonescu served as Prime Minister and "Conducator" of Romania from 1940 to 1944. He spent his early adult life working his way through the military. In 1934 Antonescu became chief of the Romanian general staff and three years later, was named minister of defense. He was dismissed in 1938 after becoming an admirer of the Iron Guard, the main fascist party in Romania. On September 4, 1940 Antonescu was named prime minister with "absolute powers" after a part of Romania was divided among Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Soviet Union. He created a military dictatorship and openly enbraced the Axis powers. At first the Iron Guard was partners in his leadership, but after several problems, he suppressed them. Antonescu's domestic program, along with going to war with the Soviet Union to gain back lost territory brought him popularity. His administration allowed a little opposition and has been considered by some historians to be "the least servile among the German satellite governments". His regime's part in the Holocaust "combined pogroms and mass murders such as the Odessa massacre with ethnic cleansing, systematic deportations to occupied Transnistria and widespread criminal negligence". Antonescu's popularity eroded after losses piled up on the Russian front. His government was overthrown by King Michael in August 1944. In 1946 Antonescu was sentenced to death by a Romanian communist people's court and executed.
Romanian Military, Political Leader. Antonescu served as Prime Minister and "Conducator" of Romania from 1940 to 1944. He spent his early adult life working his way through the military. In 1934 Antonescu became chief of the Romanian general staff and three years later, was named minister of defense. He was dismissed in 1938 after becoming an admirer of the Iron Guard, the main fascist party in Romania. On September 4, 1940 Antonescu was named prime minister with "absolute powers" after a part of Romania was divided among Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Soviet Union. He created a military dictatorship and openly enbraced the Axis powers. At first the Iron Guard was partners in his leadership, but after several problems, he suppressed them. Antonescu's domestic program, along with going to war with the Soviet Union to gain back lost territory brought him popularity. His administration allowed a little opposition and has been considered by some historians to be "the least servile among the German satellite governments". His regime's part in the Holocaust "combined pogroms and mass murders such as the Odessa massacre with ethnic cleansing, systematic deportations to occupied Transnistria and widespread criminal negligence". Antonescu's popularity eroded after losses piled up on the Russian front. His government was overthrown by King Michael in August 1944. In 1946 Antonescu was sentenced to death by a Romanian communist people's court and executed.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
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