Why Romanian Settlement in Transylvania Largely Avoided Urban Centers Before 1920

The historical context of Romanians in Transylvania is complex and deeply intertwined with the region's demographic and political developments over centuries. The reasons for the lack of significant Romanian urban centers in Transylvania before 1920 are multifaceted and can be attributed to various factors, including historical demographics, political and economic exclusion, cultural and linguistic differences, and political changes and nationalism.

Historical Demographics and Settlement Patterns

Transylvania has historically been a diverse region with significant populations of Hungarians, Germans, Saxons, and Romanians. The Saxon population, in particular, established several towns and cities during the medieval period, which became centers of trade and administration. In contrast, Romanians predominantly lived in rural areas and villages, focusing on agriculture and pastoralism rather than urban development. Their societal structure was often more communal and less oriented towards city life compared to the more urbanized German and Hungarian populations.

Political and Economic Exclusion

Under the feudal system, power was concentrated in the hands of the Hungarian nobility and German merchants, while Romanians were often excluded from the privileges and rights granted to these groups. This limited their ability to participate in urban life. Additionally, towns and cities in Transylvania were often granted specific privileges and rights such as self-governance that were not extended to Romanians, creating significant barriers to urban establishment and growth for the Romanian population.

Cultural and Linguistic Factors

The different cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the various ethnic groups contributed to social divisions. Romanians often faced discrimination, which may have discouraged urban migration and participation in city life. The lack of access to education in their native language and the predominance of Hungarian and German in public life further marginalized Romanians, limiting their opportunities and integrating into urban centers.

Political Changes and Nationalism

The Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 intensified Hungarian nationalism and policies that favored the Hungarian and German populations over the Romanians. This further excluded Romanians from urban centers and their establishment. However, the rise of Romanian nationalism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries also played a role. Despite this, the political environment prior to World War I was not conducive to the establishment of Romanian-led urban centers.

World War I and Its Aftermath

The Treaty of Trianon in 1920 marked a significant turning point. After this treaty, Transylvania became part of Romania, allowing for greater Romanian influence and development in the region. This change facilitated the establishment of more prominent urban centers for Romanians and marked a shift in the historical demographic and political landscape of Transylvania.

Conclusion

In summary, the lack of Romanian cities in Transylvania prior to 1920 can be attributed to a combination of historical exclusion from urban privileges, demographic patterns favoring rural settlements, cultural factors, and the political environment under Hungarian rule. It was not until the changes brought about by World War I that Romanians were able to establish a more prominent urban presence in Transylvania, paving the way for future developments and changes in the region's urban landscape.