The revision of shields, symbols, monuments and statues in the period of autonomy and the Slovak Republic, 1938–1945: the example of the city of Nitra Cover Image

Revízia znakov, symbolov, pamätníkov a sôch v období autonómie a Slovenskej republiky 1938 – 1945: príklad mesta Nitra
The revision of shields, symbols, monuments and statues in the period of autonomy and the Slovak Republic, 1938–1945: the example of the city of Nitra

Author(s): Alena Mikulášová, Miroslav Palárik
Subject(s): Cultural history, Local History / Microhistory, Political history, Government/Political systems, Politics and society, WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Sociology of Politics
Published by: Historický ústav SAV
Keywords: Nitra; Sacred objects; Statues; State symbols; 1938–1945; Totalitarianism;

Summary/Abstract: The period 1938–1945 brought extensive changes to the territory of Slovakia in all spheres of life. The public spaces did not escape the attention of the regime and were affected by numerous decrees. The consistent revision of shields, symbols, monuments and statues was a significant aspect of this. The process occurred in several phases. The first removed material reminders of the Czechoslovak Republic and democratic system. Jewish symbols were eliminated. Later the representatives of the regime concentrated on monuments to the so-called “Hungarian saints” and symbols connected with the period of the Kingdom of Hungary. This effected not only secular but also sacred spaces, and government officials came into conflict with the highest representatives of the Church in Slovakia. In the end, this prevented the consistent completion of the action.

  • Issue Year: 66/2018
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 523-546
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Slovak