The History of the Czech Republic and Slovakia

by William M. Mahoney

This survey of Czech and Slovak history traces the development of two neighboring peoples through the creation of a common Czechoslovakian state in 1918 to the founding of the independent Czech and Slovak Republics in 1993 and beyond.

The History of the Czech Republic and Slovakia charts historical developments in the two nations to the opening decade of the 21st century. The book begins with an overview of the geography, climate, people, economy, and government of both the Czech and Slovak republics. Subsequent chapters offer a chronologically organized survey of historical events, trends, ideas, and people.

Starting with the early Slavic settlements around the 5th century AD, the book explores Czech and Slovak history through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Early Modern eras, the Enlightenment, and the age of nationalism and revolution. Chapters on the 20th century include discussion of the World Wars, the interwar Czechoslovak state, the Communist decades, the Prague Spring, and the Velvet Revolution of 1989. The story is brought up to date with insights into developments in the independent Czech and Slovak republics since 1993.

Genres: History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book offering an overview of the history of the two countries. Great travel preparation.

[Stephen Fridrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this history of the Czech Republic and Slovakia to be fascinating. And it is so complex. The time span is extensive. The moving boundaries, political leaders, and world events play such a complicated interaction. Germany, Poland, and Hungary were big players in this history. Of course Russia joined in the evolution during World War II. The book informed my understanding of this region. For a period of time these two areas joined together to form Czechoslovakia at the end of World War II. Later on these were split into the two countries that we have now. If you are a fan of history, or looking to understand your cultural heritage, I recommend this book.

[Carolyn Deboer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief yet thorough history from tribal peoples to the 21st century and all the wars in between. It’s hard to be a small country lodged between the powerhouses of Germany and Russia. It’s always a fight for autonomy. Sometimes they won and sometimes they didn’t yet they persevered. Also so good sections of modern day Prague, current cultural traditions and culinary info.

[S Eliot R Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un buen libro introductorio sobre la historia de Chequia y Eslovaquia. La primera mitad del libro es antes de 1918, y la segunda de allí a los primeros años de la disolución de Checoslovaquia.
Es significativo para mí haber leído este libro durante mi estancia allí en Octubre de 2018.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of information! But a very dry presentation and not a compelling read; more suitable to research than reading cover-to-cover.

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is some decent shit that treats both countries relatively equally, even when they get thrust together under the West Hollywood porn lighting following WW One. As usual, last 15 years gets short thrift and there should've been way more on culture, but you can "czech" this out and come away pleased and sexually fulfilled. Only one map and no pictures? WTSF?