An almost obsessive distrust of Russia prompts…

An almost obsessive distrust of Russia prompts Romania's King Charles to sign a secret treaty of alliance with Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy in 1883.

Thus Charles' kingdom becomes one of the Central Powers.

Romania openly fortifies military defenses along its Russian border and leaves unprotected the Transylvanian mountain passes into Hungary.

However, Charles will withhold knowledge of the pact even from successive premiers and foreign ministers until 1914.

For years the king will keep Romania's only copy of the treaty locked in his personal safe at the royal summer retreat.