You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
64 Power<br />
Pravda vítězí (‘truth prevails’)<br />
O<br />
Prague, October 1918. <strong>The</strong><br />
Czechoslovak National Council<br />
proclaims independence, drawing<br />
an end to the centuries-long<br />
struggle of the Czechs, and the<br />
beginning of a new European nation<br />
– Czechoslovakia.<br />
<strong>The</strong> First World War, despite its<br />
bloody consequences across the<br />
continent, had brought with it<br />
the arrival of the first truly<br />
Czecho-Slovak state. Since the<br />
Middle Ages, the two peoples<br />
had fought relentlessly to fend<br />
off the ambitions of their aggressive<br />
neighbours. <strong>The</strong> Germans to<br />
the west looked down from their<br />
imposing seat in the Holy Roman<br />
Empire, whilst the Hungarians<br />
had already carved out an empire<br />
in the 11 th century, stretching<br />
from Vienna to the rocky<br />
mountains of Carpathia. Simply<br />
put, the future looked bleak. Yet<br />
the Czechs and Slovaks would not give<br />
up.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 15 th century saw the genesis of Czech<br />
architecture and its establishment in the<br />
region, but, perhaps more importantly,<br />
military campaigns of a newly formed<br />
Czech army. Although still in its early<br />
stages, it<br />
represented<br />
something<br />
not<br />
quite<br />
seen before<br />
–<br />
Czech<br />
ambition, and Czech it was. For once, this<br />
was not a creation of its neighbours. Slovaks<br />
joined in too, spreading Czech Protestantism<br />
(albeit not long-lasting). In the<br />
19 th century, the Bohemian Revolution<br />
accelerated the strides made in literature<br />
and the sciences. Society saw a shift from<br />
peasantry to one of intellectuals and industrialisation.<br />
“It was the First World War where<br />
Czech pride finally took centre-stage”<br />
A First World War memorial for Czechoslovak<br />
legions in France<br />
But there was no state. And without a nation<br />
to reap the benefits of Czech hardship,<br />
the floor was once again open, now<br />
to the likes of the German Empire and<br />
Austria-Hungary. It was the First World<br />
War where Czech national pride finally<br />
took centre-stage. Revolutionaries<br />
such as<br />
Tomáš Masaryk voiced<br />
the creation of some<br />
sort of Czecho-Slovak<br />
entity, challenging previously<br />
separatist policies.<br />
With the downfall<br />
of Austria-Hungary,<br />
this became a reality. But would Czechoslovakia<br />
survive?<br />
Upon its proclamation, the country was<br />
led by Masaryk. Following through with
Change language