<– Part 198 – May 5, 1918 | Part 199 – May 12, 1918 | Part 200 – May 19, 1918

The Romanian Prime Minister signing the treaty

Romanian territorial concessions. Dobruja, in blue, to Bulgaria. Green jointly governed by the Central Powers. Orange/Yellow Bessarabia, and Purple to Austria-Hungary, giving them passes through the Carpathian Mountains.

Following Romania’s isolation from the other Entente Powers due to Russia’s withdrawal from the war, coupled with the stalemate of the last few years, the Treaty of Bucharest was signed May 7 between Romania and the Central Powers. Romania gave up portions of land (see map), her oil wells must be leased to Germany for 90 years, and German civil servants are able to veto all Romanian cabinet decisions and fire any Romanian civil servant. In return, Romania’s Union with Bessarabia is recognized. The Bessarabian region of Russia had declared independence at the start of the February Revolution as the Moldavian Democratic Republic. Last month, her government voted for a Union with Romania, fearing a total annexation, but recognizing the need for alliance.

On May 8, another Central American power declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungaria: Nicaragua.

The Polish II Corps in Russia was ordered to camp near Kaniów, Ukraine, by the Regency Council – a German and Austro-Hungarian-appointed semi-independent government of Partitioned Poland. The II Corps is comprised of elements of the Austria-Hungarian army who deserted after the Treaty of Brest-

Austria-Hungary signing the treaty

Litovsk with Russia removed the possibility of an independent Poland. These Poles joined up with Polish elements of the Imperial Russian Army and refused to engage in hostilities. After camping, they were quickly surrounded by German forces, who ordered them to surrender. They refused and prepared for battle, surprising the Germans, who quickly told them the ultimatum was a mistake (and then prepared for reinforcements). Once the German reinforcements arrived, the 12,000 Germans attacked the 8,000 Poles on the night of May 10. Brutal fighting continued until the evening of May 11, when the Germans proposed a ceasefire, accepted by the Poles. Approximately half the surviving Poles were captured, though the rest escaped. Polish casualties were 1,000, with another 3,250 captured, while the Germans suffered 1,500 casualties. The Polish commander was able to fake his death and flee to France.

Battle of Kaniow