Ion Antonescu (full name Ion Victor Antonescu) was born on June 15, 1882, in Pitesti, Romania, in a bourgeoisie family. He was the prime minister and leader of Romania during World War II.

Biography and Career :

Following the military tradition in his family, he graduated the Military School in Craiova and Iasi. He also graduated the School of Cavalry in 1904 and the Military Academy at Saint-Cyr in 1911 as "class leader".

Ion Antonescu was the commander of the Superior School of War, the chief of the Great Major State, the Ministry of War. From September 4, 1940 until August 23, 1944 Antonescu was Prime-Minister of Romania and, after, chief of the state. In the Second World War, he made the decision that Romania should enter the war under the commandment of Germany.

A s a military commander, Ion Antonescu was very pragmatic and talented. His nickname was the Red Dog because of his toughness. In September 1940 Ion Antonescu was named prim-minister by the King Carol II. After two days, he forced Carol to abdicate and Mihai became the new king. Ion Antonescu named himself the leader of the State having full power of decision. The role of the king was purely decorative. On September 14, 1940 Romania became "Legionar National State" , because the Guard of Iron was ruling the country. Being helped by Germans, he stopped the ascension of the Guard and their Rebellion on January 21- 24, 1941 sending it's leaders into prison.

During the war, Romania and Germany fought against the Soviet Union. As well as Hitler, Antonescu organized the massacre in Odessa. He ordered the execution of all the Jewish people and communists in town. In the battle of Stalingrad, the Romanian army was defeated, being forced to fight against the Allied Powers without any chance of winning. Now, the popularity of Ion Antonescu breaks down. He passed away on June 1, 1946 in the jail of Jilava.

Trivia :

- After returning from the Soviet Union, in May 1946 he was put on trial by the Bucharest People's Tribunal.
- His government is held responsible for killing of between 280,000 and 380,000 Jews.
- He did temporarily halt deportations in Transnistria despite German pressure in 1943, as he began to seek peace with the Allies.
- His spouse was Rasela Mendel.

Quotes :

- "I will withdraw to my fortress, and after the slaughter, I will restore order."
_{Ion Antonescu Image : en.wikipedia.org}

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Tags: 1882, romania, prime minister, leader	[edit tags]

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Category: Politicians  - ( Politicians Archive)

Date Added: 13 February '07

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