Carol II of Romania was a king who ruled Romania during two separate periods: first from 1927 to 1930 and then from 1930 to 1940. He was born on April 15, 1893, and was the son of Ferdinand I of Romania and Marie of Romania. His reign was marked by political instability and attempts to establish a more authoritarian regime. In 1930, Carol II returned to the throne after abdicating in favor of his son, Mihai I of Romania. His rule saw the rise of nationalist movements and the eventual establishment of a royal dictatorship. Carol II was forced to abdicate again in 1940, leading to his exile until his death in 1953.