Gheorghe Pop de Băsești in Alba Iulia, Romania

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Gheorghe Pop de Băsești, a notable Romanian politician born on August 1, 1835, and passed away on February 23, 1919. Originally from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he later became a proud citizen of Romania. As vice-president (1881-1902) and then president (1902-1918) of the Romanian National Party, Pop de Băsești played a pivotal role in shaping the party's agenda during a time when Transylvania was under Hungarian rule within Austria-Hungary. Born in the picturesque village of Băsești, located in what is now Maramureș County, he pursued his education with diligence. Completing gymnasium in Baia Mare and high school in Oradea, Pop de Băsești went on to study Law at the esteemed Oradea Academy. In 1872, he was elected as a deputy in the Hungarian diet, where for nine consecutive years, he vigorously advocated for the rights of ethnic Romanians residing in Transylvania. In 1892-1894, Pop de Băsești emerged as one of the leaders of the influential Transylvanian Memorandum movement. This movement aimed to secure equal rights for Transylvanian Romanians and was met with resistance from the authorities. Consequently, he and his fellow activists received prison sentences for their unwavering commitment to the cause. Following World War I, Pop de Băsești took on a new role as the president of the assembly at Alba Iulia (December 1, 1918). It was during this time that Romanians living under Hungarian rule proclaimed the union between the Romanian Old Kingdom and Transylvania. Tragically, he passed away just a few months later, leaving behind a legacy of courage and conviction. Today, his birthplace in Băsești proudly showcases a memorial museum in honor of his remarkable life and achievements.