Bratianu

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Bratianu or Bratiano , Romanian family. Ion Bratianu, 1821–91, was prominent in the Revolution of 1848 and helped to secure (1866) the election of Prince Carol of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen ( Carol I of Romania) to the throne. Bratianu headed (1876–88, except for Apr.–June, 1881) a ministry that declared (1878) the full independence of Romania from the Ottoman Empire, which was secured in the Treaty of San Stefano . His son, Ion Bratianu, 1864–1927, succeeded him as leader of the Liberals and was premier (1909–11, 1914–18). He resigned early in 1918 rather than accept the humiliating peace terms offered by the Central Powers but regained his position in Dec., 1918, and represented Romania at the Paris Peace Conference (1919). In 1920 he resigned in protest against the minority clauses of the Treaty of Trianon with Hungary and the division of the Banat with Yugoslavia. From 1922 until his death (except for an interlude in 1926–27) Bratianu was premier, ruling Romania as a virtual dictator; he prevented the accession of Carol II in 1927. He was succeeded briefly as premier by his brother, Vintila Bratianu. Constantin Bratianu, also called Dinu Bratianu, 1889–1950?, another member of the family, led the National Liberal party from 1934 and opposed both the dictatorship of Ion Antonescu and the Communist regime. He was reported to have died in prison.

Bratianu, Ionel (b. 20 Aug. 1864, d. 26 Nov. 1927). Prime Minister of Romania 1909–11, 1914–18, 1918–19, 1922–6 Born in Florica as the son of Ion C. Bratianu (b. 1821, d. 1891), a leading National Liberal Romanian politician, he became leader of the Romanian Liberal Party in 1909. At the outbreak of World War I he maintained neutrality, but in 1916 was persuaded to enter the war on the side of the Allies in the hope of territorial gains. He miscalculated the strength of the Bulgarian and German forces, which entered Bucharest in December 1916. Nevertheless, he successfully represented his country at the Paris Peace Conference, where he gained most of the territory he demanded. He devised a new Constitution in 1923, which created a centralized state. He encouraged the often conflicting goals of protection, industrialization, and restrictions of foreign ownership. The country became one of the most protectionist states in Europe, with tariffs being used to finance industrialization. He hoped to strengthen the political system through forcing the abdication of Crown Prince Carol. However, his policies created strong discontent in the countryside, which became fertile ground for the support of the Fascist parties. He retired in 1926.