Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has a rich history that dates back to the 9th century. Over the centuries, Prague has been ruled by various empires and kingdoms, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Nazi Germany. This has led to a lot of debate around whether Prague was a German city or not.
The Early History of Prague
Prague was founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid dynasty. The city grew rapidly and became the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia in the 14th century. During this time, Prague was a predominantly Czech-speaking city.
The Habsburg Empire and Germanization
In 1526, Bohemia became part of the Habsburg Empire. The Habsburgs were a German-speaking dynasty that ruled over many parts of Central Europe. Under their rule, Prague became increasingly Germanized.
During this time, many German-speaking people moved to Prague for work or to escape religious persecution in other parts of Europe. They brought with them their language and culture, which began to influence life in Prague.
The Rise of German Nationalism
By the late 19th century, nationalism was on the rise across Europe. In Bohemia, Czechs were fighting for greater autonomy from Austria-Hungary and for recognition of their language and culture.
At the same time, German nationalists were pushing back against these demands. They argued that Germans had played an important role in shaping Czech history and culture and that they deserved recognition for their contributions.
Nazi Germany’s Occupation of Prague
During World War II, Nazi Germany occupied Prague. The Nazis saw Prague as a historically German city and sought to make it a model “Germanic” city.
They expelled many Czechs from their homes and businesses and replaced them with German-speaking people. They also destroyed many Czech cultural landmarks and replaced them with German ones.
The Aftermath of World War II
After the war, Prague once again became part of Czechoslovakia. The new government sought to undo the damage done by the Nazis and restore Prague’s Czech identity.
Today, Prague is a predominantly Czech-speaking city, but it still bears many traces of its German past. Its architecture, culture, and language are a blend of Czech and German influences.
Conclusion
So was Prague a German city? The answer is complicated.
While Germans did play an important role in shaping Prague’s history and culture, it has always been a predominantly Czech-speaking city. The Germanization of Prague under the Habsburgs and Nazi occupation cannot erase this fact. Today, Prague is a vibrant city that celebrates its Czech heritage while embracing its multicultural past.