Antonescu, Ion (yôn äntônĕs`k

), 1882–1946, Romanian marshal and dictator. He served in World War I and later became chief of staff, but he fell into disfavor with King Carol II Carol II, 1893–1953, king of Romania, son of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie . While crown prince, he contracted a morganatic marriage with Zizi Labrino but divorced her to marry (1921) Princess Helen of Greece.
..... Click the link for more information. because of his pro-Nazi attitude and his suspected intrigues with the Iron Guard Iron Guard, Romanian nationalistic, anti-Semitic, and antiparliamentary group, founded in 1924 by Corneliu Zelea Codreanu . Originally named the Legion of the Archangel Michael, it was organized on military lines and operated through terrorism.
..... Click the link for more information. . In World War II, on Sept. 4–5, 1940, Carol, threatened with revolution and German intervention, appointed Antonescu premier with dictatorial powers. On Sept. 6, Antonescu forced the king to abdicate in favor of Carol's son, Michael Michael, 1921–, king of Romania (1927–30, 1940–47). His father, Prince Carol (later Carol II ), renounced his right of succession in 1925, and young Michael ascended the throne under a regency on the death of Ferdinand .
..... Click the link for more information. . In Nov., 1940, Romania joined the Axis Powers, and Antonescu gave Adolf Hitler virtual control over Romanian economy and foreign policy, tolerated violent pogroms against the Jews, and declared (June 22, 1941) a "holy war" on the Soviet Union. With two Soviet armies deep in Romania, King Michael in Aug., 1944, had Antonescu and his cabinet arrested in a dramatic coup. Antonescu was tried (1946) for war crimes and executed.

Antonescu, Ion

(born June 15, 1882, Pitesti, Rom.—died June 1, 1946, near Jilava) Romanian marshal. He served in World War I and later became chief of staff (1934) and minister of defense (1937). Appointed prime minister in 1940, he established a fascist dictatorship and openly supported the Axis Powers. Initially he won broad support for his domestic reforms and declaration of war against the Soviet Union (1941), but that support eroded. His regime was overthrown in 1944, and he was later executed as a war criminal.