The Nazi Perception of Romanians: Racial Views and Practical Alliances

Throughout history, the relationship between Nazi Germany and Romania has often been a subject of scrutiny. This article delves into the racial perceptions of Romanians by the Nazis and explores the practical alliances made between the two during World War II.

The Racial Mosaic of Romanians

Many theories exist about the racial composition of Romanians. Some suggest that the Nazis viewed Romanians as a mixed race, with a portion of them considered Aryan. This idea is often based on the belief that some Romanians were partially white, which might have led Hitler and others to categorize them as partially Aryan. However, concrete evidence to support this theory is limited.

It's interesting to note that Mussolini and Franco, who were pro-Nazi, did not fit the Aryan image. This raises the question of how the Nazis judged their racial views, suggesting a more superficial categorization rather than a deep understanding of racial purity.

Ethnographic and Practical Perspectives

The term Daco-Roman was commonly used in 1930s ethnography to describe the Romanian people. This term reflects the belief in a genetic connection between ancient Dacians and Roman settlers. However, in practical terms, the Nazis did not adhere strictly to ethnographic classifications. Instead, they prioritized political and economic factors in their dealings with Romania.

Romanians, except for the Gypsies/Romani, were seen as allies against the Soviet Union and the Jews. The Romanian contribution was significant, as they provided oil and grain to the Reich and participated in pogroms against Jews in both Romania and Russia. Additionally, a large Romanian army was deployed in eastern Russia, further solidifying their alliance with Nazi Germany.

The Nazi Leadership Perspective

The opinions of the Nazi leadership were complex and often Byzantine. The primary goal of fascism was to instill irrational fears and foster a sense of superiority among Europeans. This strategy often resulted in pragmatic alliances based on shared interests rather than racial ideology.

Romanians were not seen as a racial threat but as partners who shared similar interests. Economic motivations were the primary driver of the relationship, with Romania's oil and grain becoming invaluable resources for the German war effort.

Pragmatic Alliances on the Eastern Front

Relations between the Nazi forces and Romanian troops on the Eastern Front were mixed. Nazi officers, such as the SS, did not view the Romanians more favorably than the Russians. Conflicts and individual disagreements were common, but many Romanian officers refused direct orders to shoot Soviet prisoners, including political commissars.

Memoirs of Romanian soldiers on the Eastern Front provide insights into their experiences. After the Battle of Stalingrad, when the Romanian army felt over-exposed and suffered significant losses, many officers wondered who they should trust more: the Russians or the Germans. This uncertainty highlights the complex nature of the alliance and the pragmatic motivations behind it.

Modern Interpretation

In contemporary times, the perception of Romanians has evolved. While Hitler and other Nazi leaders held specific views about the race of Romanians, the general public today views them differently. The idea of watching your wallet around Romanians is a humorous generalization that reflects broader cultural stereotypes.

Romania's territory was never targeted by Nazi Germany, and Germany's interests in the Balkans were primarily economic. The relationship between Romania and Nazi Germany was based on mutual benefit and shared economic interests rather than racial ideology.