Moldova History

Europe Moldova

Situated on a historic passageway between Asia and Europe, Moldova has often suffered invasion and warfare. The principality of Moldova, created in the 14th century, included most of modern Moldova as well as eastern Romania. The Ottomans subjugated the principality during the course of the 16th century and remained in power for two centuries. Russia annexed it in 1812 after the Russian-Turkish war and created the Russian province of Bessarabia.

Germans were invited to immigrate and settle large areas in southern Bessarabia. When the empire excised their privileged status in the late 19th century, many left for the American Midwest. Their descendants, as a group, are one of the most active genealogical groups in the United States.

Romania temporarily gained control of Bessarabia in 1918; then, lost it back to Russia in 1944. Moldova declared its independence in 1991.