Corneliu Zelea Codreanu

ModernPoliticianRomania1899 — 1938

Iron Guard founder killed on King Carol orders.

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Quick Facts

Born

1899

Died

1938

Country

Romania

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)28

Influence (20%)50

Legacy (20%)42

Leadership (15%)38

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score42.3

Corneliu Zelea Codreanu — Complete Timeline

1927 AD

Founding of the Iron GuardPolitical Action◆ Major

Corneliu Zelea Codreanu founded the Legion of the Archangel Michael, later known as the Iron Guard, in Romania. The organization combined ultranationalist, anti-Semitic, and Orthodox Christian ideologies, becoming a major far-right political force.

Far-Right PoliticsNationalismAnti-Semitism

Impact: nationaldestructive

1933 AD

Assassination of Ion DucaPolitical Action◆ Major

Iron Guard members, acting under Codreanu's influence, assassinated Romanian Prime Minister Ion Duca. Duca had banned the Iron Guard and suppressed its activities, and his murder escalated political violence in Romania.

AssassinationPolitical ViolenceIron Guard

Impact: nationaldestructive

1938 AD

Arrest and Execution by King Carol IIPolitical Action◆ Major

King Carol II ordered the arrest of Corneliu Zelea Codreanu and other Iron Guard leaders. Codreanu was tried for treason and executed by a military firing squad, ending his direct leadership of the movement.

ExecutionPolitical RepressionIron Guard

Impact: nationaltragic