Mișcarea separatistă de la Iași (aprilie 1866): o perspectivă britanică
The Separatist Movement from Iași (April 1866): a British Perspective

Summary/Abstract: This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the separatist uprising in Iași following the abdication of Alexandru Ioan Cuza in February 1866, relying significantly on an unpublished British diplomatic report. The report, dated April 26, 1866, and located in the British National Archives, was written by John Green and contains a significant dispatch from A.St. Clair, the British Consul in Iași at that time. St. Clair's meticulous observations offer distinctive insights into the political and social unrest in the Moldavian Principality during this transitional period, particularly emphasizing the separatist movement in Iași. St. Clair's report emphasizes the international aspect of the conflict, notably the participation of foreign entities such as Russia, Austria, and Prussia, whose consuls were alleged to have aided the separatists. Notwithstanding the Bucharest government's attempts to quell the rebellion, which included the designation of Cozadini as extraordinary commissioner and the mobilization of armed forces, tensions persisted in their escalation. The separatists' inability to obtain extensive public support resulted in their loss, albeit with significant carnage. St. Clair's dispatch provides a direct description of the severe suppression of the rebellion, wherein unarmed civilians were assaulted by government soldiers, resulting in considerable casualties. The report presents a vivid portrayal of the violence, serving as both a documentation of the events and a condemnation of the Romanian government's conduct. This article enhances historical study by revealing previously inaccessible primary sources that illuminate the separatist movement and the wider geopolitical issues of the time. St. Clair’s report is an essential document for comprehending the intricate political dynamics in 19th century Romania and the influence of foreign forces on its national development.

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