Antonescu, Ion

Antonescu, Ion (1882-1946), Romanian general, born in Piteşti and educated in French military schools. During the 1930s, he became a sympathizer with the native Romanian Fascist party known as the Iron Guard. On September 5, 1940, Antonescu was appointed premier by King Carol II. Assuming dictatorial powers, he forced the abdication of Carol on the following day, and subsequently set up a regime closely modelled on that of Nazi Germany. He led Romania into participation with Germany in the invasion of the USSR in June 1941, and in December 1941 plunged the country more deeply than ever into World War II with declarations of war against the United States and Great Britain. In August 1944, after the penetration of Soviet forces into Romania, Antonescu was deposed, arrested, and executed as a war criminal.