Antonescu

Antonescu, Ion (1882-1946) was a Romanian military officer and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Romania from 1940 to 1944. He is best known for his role in the establishment of the Iron Guard, a far-right nationalist movement, and for his collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II.

Born in Craiova, Antonescu joined the Romanian Army in 1903 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a general. In 1927, he founded the Iron Guard, a paramilitary organization that advocated for a fascist-style regime. Antonescu's political career began in 1937 when he was appointed as the Minister of War. He quickly rose to prominence and became the Prime Minister in 1940, following the death of King Carol II.

During his time in office, Antonescu implemented a series of anti-Semitic policies, including the expulsion of Jews from public life and the establishment of a Jewish Council. He also aligned Romania with the Axis powers, signing the Tripartite Pact in 1940 and declaring war on the Soviet Union in 1941.

Antonescu's regime was marked by repression and violence, with the Iron Guard carrying out numerous atrocities against political opponents. In 1944, as the Soviet army advanced on Romania, Antonescu was forced to resign and was subsequently arrested and executed by the communist regime that took power after the war. His legacy is one of controversy and debate, with some viewing him as a nationalist hero and others as a fascist collaborator.