Unexpected Parallels: Currents below the Surface Cover Image

Proudy skryté pod povrchem mocenských změn
Unexpected Parallels: Currents below the Surface

Author(s): Jan Dobeš
Subject(s): History
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Ústav pro soudobé dějiny

Summary/Abstract: This contribution deals with the tendencies that evolved in Czech society during the mid-1930s and exerted a hidden influence in the years that followed. The cornerstones of modern Czech society since its formation in the nineteenth century were unsettled even before the Second World War broke out. Previously unknown features began to evolve in the political system, its economy, social relations, the public’s views on the arts and sciences, and the atmosphere in society generally. The dramatic course of events that was framed by the betrayal at Munich, the Second Republic, the imposition of the German Protectorate and Occupation, Liberation, and, lastly, the Communist takeover of February 1948, accelerated this development. The author’s aim is to demonstrate that beneath the surface of all these separate political developments there is a continual process of change at work. Even though the various régimes of this period manifested considerable differences externally, research reveals surprising internal similarities amongst them. In spite of these new qualities it seems inappropriate to call the period ‘totalitarian’ according to the criteria of the classic theory of totalitarianism.

  • Issue Year: XVI/2009
  • Issue No: 04
  • Page Range: 653-663
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Czech