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| 1866–1914 |
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| CHARLES I (Carol). His reign was characterized by rapid economic development (especially in petroleum). Romanian rail lines were joined to the Austrian and Russian networks, and Romania signed trade agreements with a number of European states. | 1 |
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| 1868 |
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| Romania granted two companies, one Anglo-Hungarian the other Prussian, the exclusive rights to build the first four rail lines from Bucharest to Jassy. | 2 |
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| 1871 |
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| Charles's support of Prussia in the Franco-Prussian War clashed with more popular pro-French sentiments. After demonstrations on the evening of March 22–23, Charles prepared to abdicate, but the formation of a Conservative government under Lascar Catargiu convinced Charles to stay. | 3 |
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| 1877, April 17 |
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| Romania and Russia signed a convention allowing Russia to pass over Romanian territory during the war with the Ottoman Empire. | 4 |
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| May 21 |
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| Romania entered the war on Russia's side and proclaimed independence. The Russians rejected active help until they were hard-pressed at the siege of Plevna. | 5 |
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