The Impact of the Great War on Demographic Events in Transylvania
The Impact of the Great War on Demographic Events in Transylvania

Summary/Abstract: Transylvania, as a part of Austria-Hungary until 1918, suffered deeply the consequences of the war. No battles took place on its territory, except for August–October of 1916, when several border regions found themselves on the path of the Romanian army’s offensive. Transylvania was, however, affected by the difficulties of the war: the massive conscription of the men, a drastic drop in the quality of life, a dramatic increase in the prices of food and consumer goods, etc. Family life was severely affected. In many households, only women, children and the elderly remained; in many cases, women took up the task of providing for the remaining family, being forced to act in ways previously reserved to men. The number of marriages decreased considerably during the war, primarily due to the departure of the majority of men aged between 18 and 50, then to the poverty and unpredictability of the war and its consequences. The number of births collapsed especially in 1915–1918.

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