THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF THE REIGN. THE RECOGNITION OF THE UNION AND ITS FINALIZATION (JANUARY 24, 1859-JANUARY 24, 1862)
THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF THE REIGN. THE RECOGNITION OF THE UNION AND ITS FINALIZATION (JANUARY 24, 1859-JANUARY 24, 1862)

Summary/Abstract: From the first months of Cuza's reign, difficulties arose with the administration system imposed by the Paris Convention, with two governments, one in Iaşi, the other in Bucharest, with two Chambers, with a Central Commission in Focşani. The draft laws developed by this commission had to be investigated by both governments, voted by both Chambers, sanctioned and promulgated separately by Cuza. The system was undeniably cumbersome. It is not surprising that, from this way of working, by which the lord was forced to move continuously from one capital to another, there were voices demanding the full union of the Principalities, with the risk of violating the Paris Convention, i.e. over the decision of the Guarantor PowersAlongside the diplomatic struggle waged first for the recognition of the double election, then for the full Union, was the ruler's permanent concern to defend and strengthen the country's autonomy. In general, Cuza had a precautionary attitude, full of courtesy, towards the sultan and the high Ottoman dignitaries. In both visits that Cuza made to Constantinople, in September 1860 and in June 1864, he was very well received and the impression he left was excellent. The same care to defend the country's autonomy and dignity, the same way of proceeding, was adopted in relations with the Austrians. Austria was hostile towards the Principalities, both before and after the union.The concern for defending the country's autonomy and dignity is also evident in relations with Russia. When, in September 1859, the Russian vice-consul in Ismail complained both directly to Cuza and to the Ministries of Foreign and Interior about a series of cases that had occurred in the locality, the Council of Ministers of Moldova, meeting on the 15th of the month, investigating these cases, found that the local Moldovan authorities had acted "in order." The hostile attitude adopted by Austria, but also by Turkey towards Cuza's double election, determined Cuza to concentrate the army in the Floreşti camp.

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