Czech and Polish National Democracy at the Dawn of Independent Statehood, 1918-1919
Czech and Polish National Democracy at the Dawn of Independent Statehood, 1918-1919

Summary/Abstract: In the wake of the geo-political changes wrought by World War I, Poles and Czechs both embarked upon independent statehood in late 1918. On the one hand, independence appeared to provide a readymade environment in which to promote the cause of national unity. Externally, the two countries contemplated uncertain border settlements. For the Poles, the prospect of major conflict with Germany and Russia loomed large, while the Czechs viewed Germany and Austria with suspicion. Internally, the heady atmosphere engendered by independence created the basis for a patriotic political consensus. On the other hand, 1918 witnessed the eclipse of the pre-war order and an accompanying rise in social radicalism. [...]

• Details
• Contents