The double election of Alexander Cuza, an action that was in opposition to the clear intention of the protecting powers, was to bring a profound change in the relationship of the Principalities and their guardians. Although the alteration was not at once recognized, from this time forward Romanian interests were to be represented by a national leadership that rested usually on a strong domestic foundation. Moreover, although Cuza and his successors were to face continual opposition from various political opponents, neither these groups nor the princes themselves were henceforth dependent upon the favor of the Porte or another outside power. The change in the relationship with Constantinople and St. Petersburg was particularly striking. The subservient position of the former hospodars and caimacams contrasted sharply with the relatively independent stance of the new prince. This condition was brought about, at least in part, by the able and clever manner with which Cuza usually handled the great powers.

The new prince, as we have seen, was not well known to the European representatives. He had, nevertheless, previously enjoyed a moderately successful career in public service and commerce. Born in March 1820 in a Moldavian boyar family, he had received an excellent secondary and university education in France. While a student in Paris he moved in the same circles as did the leaders of the revolutions of 1848 whom we have met before, among others the Golescu brothers and Ion Ghica.