Timeline of Moldova

Chronology

8 events spanning the history of Moldova. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1812

   Treaty of Bucharest grants Russia control of eastern Moldova.

   Treaty of Bucharest grants Russia control of eastern Moldova or Bessarabia, the area between the River Prut and the west bank of the Dniester. The Ottoman Empire gains control of western Moldova.

2. 1878

   Ottomans recognize independence of Romanian state including western Moldova.

   Ottomans recognize independence of Romanian state including western Moldova.

3. 1918

   Following the Bolshevik revolution in Russia, Bessarabia declares independence.

   Following the Bolshevik revolution in Russia, Bessarabia declares independence. Its parliament calls for union with Romania.

4. 1920

   Treaty of Paris recognizes union of Bessarabia with Romania. The Bolsheviks do not.

   Treaty of Paris recognizes union of Bessarabia with Romania. The Bolsheviks do not.

5. 1939

   Romania carved up in pact between Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s USSR.

   Romania carved up in pact between Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s USSR. Bessarabia is one of the areas to go to the USSR.

6. 1991

   Moldova declares its independence.

   Moldova declares its independence. It joins the Commonwealth of Independent States, the successor to the Soviet Union.

7. 1994

   A new constitution proclaims Moldova’s neutrality.

   A new constitution proclaims Moldova’s neutrality.

8. 2002

   Trans-Dniester authorities agree to allow resumption of Russian withdrawal.

   Trans-Dniester authorities agree to allow resumption of Russian withdrawal in exchange for a Russian promise to cut gas debts.