Three Years Of The Czechoslovak Republic

Author : Ale Bro
Publisher : Forgotten Books
ISBN 13 : 9781333503857
Total Pages : 50 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (38 download)

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Download or read book 3 YEARS OF THE CZECHOSLOVAK RE written by Ale Bro and published by Forgotten Books. This book was released on 2016-09-08 with total page 50 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from Three Years of the Czechoslovak Republic: A Survey of Its Progress and Achievements A couple of centuries passed, and it seemed as if the Czechs had been finally absorbed and lost their nationality. Indeed, they were look ed upon as non-existent, for the Czech language, customs and traditions were maintained only by peasants, and the enemies of the Czechs rejoiced, believing the Czech nation to be dead. In this, however, they were mis taken. The French ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity awakened fresh hopes in the hearts of the down-trodden Czech peasants, and the nine teenth century saw the rebirth of the Czechoslovak nation. This remark able revival on the part of the Czechs was at first purely literary, and it was not until the forties that it became political. But as soon as the revived Czech national movement assumed a political character it was directed against the German and Magyar domination. Czech leaders, from Havlicek and Palacky to Krama'r and Masaryk, all strove to reform Austria on a federal basis of justice to all the peoples inhabitating the Habsburg Empire. But it was in vain. The Habsburgs and their satellites wanted Austria to remain a German State. When the Great War broke out, the Czechoslovaks realised their chance of achieving their long-cherished hope of liberation from the Habsburg rule to which they had been subjected for three hundred years. Their position was truly tragic. Conscripted in the austro-hungarian Army, the Czechoslovak soldiers had to fight against their brother Slavs, the Russians and Serbians, for a cause which they detested from thebottom of their hearts. The Czechoslovaks revolted. Their leaders refused to make any declaration of loyalty to either Austria or Hungary, and were imprisoned and even sentenced to death. The Czechoslovak soldiers refused to march, and surrendered whenever Opportunity offered itself. The formation of the Czechoslovak army in Russia and its successes is the most interesting chapter in the Czechoslovak movement for independence. This army showed its valour during Kerensky's offensive in July, 1917, in which it was only the Czechoslovaks who really fought. At the battle of Zborov they took over prisoners and a large quantity of ma terial. General Brusiloff himself could not conceal his admiration of their achievement when he said in his official communique that the Czecho slovaks fought in such a way that the world ought to fall on its knees before them. Further military successes of the Czechoslovaks, by which they rendered such valuable service to the Allied cause did not remain -without deep appreciation from the Allies. Mr. Lloyd George in a tele gram to President Masaryk on September 12, 1918, declared that the story of the adventures and triumphs of this small army was indeed one of the greatest epics, of history. It has filled us all, Mr. Lloyd George for the courage, persistence and self-control; oft ypur countrymenf'and shows what can be done to triumph over time, lacko'of '1'naterial resources by those holding the spirit of freedom in their hearts. Your nation has rendered inestimable service to Russia and to the Allies in their struggle to free the world from despotism. We shall never forget it. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com