Cupcea's early childhood saw the dissolution of Austria-Hungary and the region's incorporation with Romania. Directly involved in the process, Alexandru Pteancu was appointed chief inspector of secondary schools by the Romanian-led Regional Directorate. There followed an interlude of Hungarian Soviet rule, during which Inspector Pteancu narrowly escaped execution. Father Cupcea, who had pledged Carei's support for the Great Assembly, was also targeted, being kidnapped and sent to Debrecen, where he was reportedly tortured. Rescued by his coreligionists, he made his way to Oradea, which fell to the Romanians in the military operations of 1919.