Was Romania Better Under Communism?
The debate surrounding Romania's history during the communist era is complex and multifaceted. While the country's economic performance under communist rule is often criticized, it is important to consider both the pros and cons of the period.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
During the interwar period, half of Romania's population was illiterate. Under communist governance, however, illiteracy was eradicated, leading to a more educated society. The population also became increasingly urbanized, with the influx of urban jobs in newly-built factories attracting rural workers. Women's rights significantly improved, and life expectancy grew during this time.
Despite the challenges and failures, Romania did continue to progress. The centrally planned economy, similar to that of the Soviet Union, aimed to eliminate resource shortages by rationing and implementing production plans through Five-Year Plans. This approach helped transform Romania from an agricultural country to an industrialized one by the 1970s.
Cons:
The 1980s saw an era of austerity under Nicolae Ceau?escu's rule, aimed at paying off foreign debts, which led to a decade of stagnation. This policy negatively impacted living standards and caused significant resource shortages. Romania became isolated in the 1980s, having burned bridges with the USSR and other socialist states.
Communism also imposed a tight police state, rationing resources, and prohibiting abortion. This led to many women facing severe health risks or legal consequences when seeking abortions in unsanitary conditions. Thousands of doctors were imprisoned for assisting women in obtaining abortions, and many were forced to raise children while working long shifts in factories.
The Impact on Romanian Society
Communism brought some positive changes. For instance, housing and employment were virtually universal, with few people being homeless or unemployed. However, these benefits came at a significant cost: the erosion of personal freedom and the inability to keep pace with global advancements. Women gained voting rights, but they had little choice due to the presence of a single ruling party.
The economy grew rapidly between the 1950s and 1970s, turning Romania into an industrialized nation and leading to urbanization. Yet, the lifestyle and economic conditions of the 1980s were a stark contrast to earlier periods. By the time communism ended, Romania was at least 50 years behind Western European countries in terms of human rights and development.
Legacy of Communism
Post-communist Romania has made significant strides, but gaps remain. It took Romania 20 years to abolish the prison sentences for homosexuality, highlighting the legacy of an outdated mindset that persists among the educated and cultured classes. While the country is richer today than most European countries, it still faces challenges in achieving true equality and freedom.
Comparing Romania's past to its present, it is clear that while some improvements occurred under communism, the overall impact was overwhelmingly negative. Romania was never better under communism, and the country still has much to achieve to be considered a fully developed and free nation.