State and Society in Communist Czechoslovakia : Transforming the Everyday from WWII to the Fall of the Berlin Wall

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After World War II, newly established communist regimes in central and eastern Europe promised a rapid social revolution to transform society and pave the way for socialism. While aspects like industrialization, collectivization, and urbanization are well-documented, these regimes also aimed to reshape citizen interactions and perceptions of the world. Utilizing a unique analytical model that combines anthropology, sociology, history, and extensive archival research, scholar Roman Krakovsky examines Czechoslovakia's effort to 'reinvent the world,' including concepts of 'time' and 'space.' His analysis spans from WWII to the fall of the Berlin Wall, exploring themes such as Stakhanovism and unattainable production targets that aimed to showcase socialism's potential. He also discusses efforts to replace Christian values associated with Sunday with socialist ideals and the significant transformations in public and private life, including the culture of informing and its circumventions. Through various case studies, Krakovsky illustrates the extensive reach of the communist vision alongside the flaws and contradictions that ultimately destabilized it. This comprehensive perspective is essential for scholars of twentieth-century history and politics.