Bucharest during the two World Wars – The little Paris of the Balkans
The city undergoes a drastic leap in evolution after 1918, when the major boulevards are built and electric trams and busses are introduced to the masses. It is also the time when a huge mixture of styles (still visible today) begins to dominate the landscape. One can still see the Bauhaus, Art Deco, Neoclassic or Beaux Arts edifices side by side with the Neoromanian-style buildings.
50’s – 70’s Bucharest – industrialization by all means necessary
Maybe nothing has had more impact on the architecture of Bucharest than the Communist regime. Urbanization and industrialization are the norm – the goal is to create a strong, independent industry meant to support a socialist, self-sufficient, Soviet–like state.
The Soviet troops invaded the country in 1944 and were initially meant to stay here for 20 years with the goal to help set up the communist regime. They came upon a severely damaged city with 1 million inhabitants struggling to recover after the bombardments of both German and allied forces.
Soon after, The Monarchy was quickly transformed into a Working People Republic by means of force and fraudulent elections.
The first communist building saw the light of day in 1947 as an apartment building rose in order to house the countless workers recently hired for mixed Romanian-Sovietic enterprises in the wards of Ferentari, Vatra Luminoasă, Floreasca and Bucureștii Noi.
During the 50’s and 60’s more and more people were brought over to the capital in order to take up jobs in factories. The heart of little Paris is still kept intact as entire neighbourhoods are raised in true Communist manner for the members of the working class.
By the end of 1967, Bucharest counted over 1.6 million inhabitants
Bucharest in the 80’s – the downfall of Communism
Ceaușescu had been in office since 1964, but it wasn’t until 1972 that he enacted his personal dictatorship over Romania. He proclaimed himself Supreme Ruler, as well as head of the army. He was also the Carpathian genius and all Romanians were ‘new age people’ living with the sole purpose of serving the country and the leader of the Communist Party
Following a trip to Phenian, Ceaușescu became greatly influenced by the North Korean regime and decided to implement it (architecture and all) in Romania. Thus, a civic center was soon erected (the main part being the House of People). This was done at the cost of demolishing 7 square km of history (hospitals, churches, as well as countless homes) and relocation of more than 50,000 people.
In 1989, as Ceaușescu’s regime found its violent end, Bucharest counted more than 2 million residents.
