The Romanian National Movement refers to a series of political and cultural efforts in the 19th century aimed at promoting Romanian identity and unifying the Romanian-speaking population. This movement emerged during a time of rising nationalism in Europe and sought to assert Romania's independence from foreign influences, particularly the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Key figures in the movement included Mihai Eminescu, a prominent poet, and Nicolae Iorga, a historian and politician. The movement played a crucial role in the eventual unification of the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859, leading to the establishment of modern Romania.