Why was Moldova part of the USSR?

Moldova became part of the USSR primarily due to Soviet territorial ambitions and strategic maneuvers throughout the early 20th century, culminating in its annexation in 1940.

Historical Context: Bessarabia's Shifting Fortunes

The territory that largely constitutes modern-day Moldova has a complex history, primarily known as Bessarabia. For centuries, it was contested by various powers, including the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, and Romania.

1. Russian Empire's Influence (1812-1917): After the Russo-Turkish War, Bessarabia became part of the Russian Empire in 1812.
2. Unification with Romania (1918): Following the Russian Revolution and the collapse of the Russian Empire, Bessarabia declared independence and then united with the Kingdom of Romania in 1918. This union was recognized by most Western powers but never by the newly formed Soviet Union, which considered Bessarabia an occupied territory.

The Soviet Claim and Strategic Maneuvers

Despite Bessarabia's union with Romania, the Soviet Union maintained a persistent claim over the region. Their strategy involved both diplomatic pressure and the creation of a geopolitical foothold.

• Promoting a Soviet "Moldavian" Identity: To counter Romanian claims and assert its own right to the territory, the Soviet Union strategically promoted a distinct "Moldavian" identity separate from Romanian.
• Creation of the Moldavian ASSR: As part of this strategy, and following events like the Tatarbunary Uprising, the Soviets took significant steps. On October 12, 1924, they elevated the existing Moldavian Autonomous Oblast (which was part of the Ukrainian SSR and located on the left bank of the Dniester River) into the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (Moldavian ASSR). This creation served as a visible Soviet "Moldavian" entity and a platform for future claims over Bessarabia, which they considered illegally occupied Romanian territory. It effectively laid the groundwork for a future Soviet-controlled Moldavian state.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and Annexation

The geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically with the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (also known as the Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) on August 23, 1939.

• Secret Protocols: Crucially, this pact included secret protocols that divided spheres of influence in Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Bessarabia was explicitly assigned to the Soviet sphere.
• Soviet Ultimatum (1940): Capitalizing on this agreement and with Europe engulfed in World War II, the Soviet Union issued an ultimatum to Romania on June 26, 1940, demanding the cession of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina.
• Forced Cession: Faced with the threat of military invasion and without support from its allies, Romania was forced to withdraw its administration and military from Bessarabia, allowing the Soviet Union to annex the territory.

Formation of the Moldavian SSR

Following the annexation, the newly acquired territories were reorganized by the Soviet Union.

• On August 2, 1940, the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (Moldavian SSR) was officially formed.
• This new republic was created by merging the vast majority of the newly acquired Bessarabian territory with a significant portion of the Moldavian ASSR (which had been established in 1924).
• Parts of Bessarabia and the Moldavian ASSR that were deemed to have predominantly Ukrainian populations were incorporated into the Ukrainian SSR.

Post-War Consolidation and Dissolution

Though temporarily occupied by Axis forces during World War II, the Moldavian SSR was re-established as a constituent republic of the USSR after the war. It remained an integral part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991, when it declared its independence as the Republic of Moldova.

Key Milestones Leading to Moldova's Inclusion in the USSR

In essence, Moldova's inclusion in the USSR was a result of a calculated, multi-decade Soviet strategy involving geopolitical maneuvering, the strategic establishment of a titular Soviet republic, and ultimately, military pressure following an agreement that divided Eastern Europe.