Description: (One of the Founders of the Modern Romanian State)
Alexandru Ioan Cuza was the first ruler of the Romanian Principalities, elected as prince of both Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859. He unified the two states and implemented reforms that modernized Romanian society and state structures. Cuza successfully achieved constitutional and administrative unity between Moldavia and Wallachia in 1862. Despite facing opposition, he worked towards gaining recognition for the union from the Ottoman Empire. His reform efforts led to his forced abdication in 1866. Today, he is recognized as a key figure in the foundation of the modern Romanian state and a national hero.