What Country Was Prague in Before WW2?
Before World War 2, Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, was part of a different country. To understand the history of Prague during this period, we need to delve into the events leading up to the war and how it affected the city.
The First Republic
After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War 1, Czechoslovakia emerged as a new independent country in 1918. Prague became its capital and played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s identity. During this time, Prague flourished culturally and economically.
The Munich Agreement and German Occupation
In September 1938, as tensions rose in Europe, world leaders gathered in Munich to decide the fate of Czechoslovakia. In a controversial move known as “The Munich Agreement,” Britain and France agreed to hand over parts of Czechoslovakia to Nazi Germany without consulting its government.
This agreement led to the German occupation of Prague and other regions with significant German populations. The city fell under German control on March 15, 1939.
The Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia
After occupying Czechoslovakia, Germany established a puppet state called “The Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.” This new entity included most of what is now known as the Czech Republic.
Prague became an important administrative center for the Germans during their occupation. However, life for the local population was challenging, with restrictions on civil liberties and widespread persecution Targeting Jews and other minority groups.
The End of World War II
The occupation continued until May 1945 when Prague and the rest of Czechoslovakia were liberated by Soviet and Allied forces. The city suffered heavy damage during the war, but efforts were made to rebuild and restore its historic landmarks.
Post-WW2: The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic
After World War 2, Czechoslovakia became a communist state under Soviet influence. Prague remained the capital, but the country’s political landscape drastically changed.
The Velvet Revolution
In 1989, a peaceful revolution known as the “Velvet Revolution” brought an end to communist rule in Czechoslovakia. The country transitioned to democracy, leading to the formation of two independent countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, before World War 2, Prague was part of Czechoslovakia. However, during the war, it fell under German occupation as part of “The Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.” After the war ended, Prague remained the capital of Czechoslovakia until its peaceful split into two separate nations – the Czech Republic and Slovakia – in 1993.