The Demographic Shift in Transylvania After 1918: How Did Romanians Become the Majority in Cities?

Introduction

The shift of Romanian majority in cities within Transylvania after 1918 was not an accidental outcome but rather the result of a series of political, social, and economic initiatives by the Romanian government. This article explores how these initiatives were implemented and their impact on the demographic landscape of the region.

Historical Context and Treaty of Trianon

The Treaty of Trianon (1920) marked the end of World War I and significantly altered the borders of Hungary, transferring the region of Transylvania to Romania. This change was a major turning point and led to a significant shift in the national and demographic landscape of the region. Prior to this, Hungarians, Germans, and Jews were the predominant ethnic groups in many cities of Transylvania.

Political and Social Initiatives

Encouraging Romanian Migration and Settlement

The Romanian government implemented several policies to promote Romanian culture and identity in Transylvania. These efforts were particularly visible in urban areas where Romanian language was promoted in education and administration. This policy encouraged Romanians to move into these urban centers, contributing to the demographic shift.

Implementing Urban Planning and Housing Policies

Between 1970 and 1980, my native town, Targu-Mures (formerly known as Marosvásárhely), saw significant urban planning initiatives. The government built new state-owned apartment blocks in a new area, and a law was introduced stipulating that individuals could only receive a permit to move to the town if they had a workplace there. This effectively prevented young Hungarians, who were born and raised in the town, from staying unless they had a job.

Another law ensured that only those with a permit to live in the town could be given a workplace, thus virtually excluding newcomers and young people from obtaining employment and settlement in the town. To further solidify the new demographic shift, the government also brought people from the Vrancea region by the trainloads, making them both residents and employees on the same day.

As a result, the town today has fewer than 20 remaining Hungarians, illustrating the effectiveness of these policies in shifting the ethnic balance.

Economic Opportunities and Infrastructure Development

The Romanian government also invested in economic development in Transylvania, including infrastructure and industry. These efforts attracted more Romanians to urban centers, further contributing to the demographic shift.

Displacement of Minorities and Social Policies

During the interwar period, there were instances of displacement of Hungarians, Germans, and Jews due to economic difficulties and discrimination. This allowed Romanians to take over businesses and homes, which further shifted the demographic balance.

Conclusion

The demographic changes in Transylvania after 1918 were influenced by a combination of factors, including political efforts, social policies, and economic opportunities. While the Romanian government played a significant role in promoting policies that encouraged the movement of Romanians to urban areas, broader social and economic transformations also contributed to the shift in ethnic balance. Over time, these factors combined to change the demographic structure of many cities in Transylvania, leading to a significant increase in the Romanian population.