A History of the Czechs

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Situated at the crossroads of Europe, the Czechs have endured significant upheavals throughout history. Dominating Bohemia often meant controlling Europe itself, and major stressors like the Reformation, nationalism, Nazism, and Communism have left their mark on the nation. The ongoing European dilemma of choosing between a sovereign state and a community has been a central theme for the Czechs since 1918, when they, alongside the Slovaks, established an independent Czechoslovakia after the fall of the Habsburg Empire. By 1968, they recognized that the loss of economic, political, and human freedom was too steep a price for ‘independence.’ This fifty-year experience adds depth to their thousand-year quest for security in Central Europe, often through confederations that countered the influence of powerful neighbors. Dr. Hermann provides a comprehensive narrative of Czechoslovakia's history and its predecessor, the Czech Kingdom, while exploring ongoing political, economic, and cultural themes. The detailed account covers the modern era, including the two decades of independence, the German occupation, the Communist takeover, and the events of 1968, drawing on personal experiences and insider knowledge.