posted
Can't help it but think of 14-15 March 1939. Those were one of the dakest days in what used to be Czechoslovakia's history. On 14 March 1939 Slovakia proclaimed independence - 'secession' from Czechoslovakia took place and Slovakia became Hitler's ally in central Europe. Then on 15 March 1939 Hitler's troops entered what was left of Czechoslovakia (nowdays Czech Rep.) and took it over. This wonderful land became Hitler's colony. The rest of the world did nothing. Just as they did nothing in October 1938 when in Munich, Germany, Hitler "persuaded" leaders of France and Great Britain that they can sacrifice Czechoslovakia's borders where german and hungarian minority lived. The treaties of Versailles and Trianon were torn apart by Munich's meeting, so what happened on 14 and 15 March 1939 was just logical step. Nothing stopped Hitler, not even the treaties that young democracy has concluded with other European leading nations. Guess what happened next - 1 September 1939 and Hitler marched into Poland. He took Austria, Czechoslovakia and then Poland. And only after that the nationes decided to act.
As I said - today is a sad day for us here. We lost our independence 65 years ago. And then again in 1948 with communist getting to power and in 1968 when Soviet tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia.
Couldn't resist, needed to vent. Thanks for reading.
posted
History is often viewed from only the perspective of ones own country. We in the US often know more about the history of China or the moon than we do about the Balkans, Eastern Europe, or South America or so many places on this planet we forget about.
It was nice to see this pivotal moment in modern history through your eyes.
Yes, it was a sad day.
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
PSI - there were more 'exoduses' from Czechoslovakia. First in 20's and 30's - Great Depression, Second - WW2, Third - 1948 and 50's when communist got to power, Fourth 1968 and 70's - harsh persecution of those against communist regime. Our history is full of ups and downs.
Dan - you are welcome
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quote:in 1968 when Soviet tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia
I wasn't even alive then, but I can't help feeling ashamed. These were also the Polish tanks, and the Polish soldiers. My mom remembers seeing the endless row of tanks driving through the streets. Posts: 5700 | Registered: Feb 2002
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The Czechs, after decades of repression elect as their first premiere a playwright. What a beautiful and wondrous people they are!
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Kama, you are right, it was almost the entire Soviet block who invaded our country in 1968 - armies of East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Soviet Union. Truth is - we didn't stand a chance, even if we tried to fight. I think the good thing was that we didn't fight. That would be a real bloodbath. So many times I wondered, what would have happened if they didn't come? What would have happened if democracy would prevail in 1948?
We both know that in early 1980's the same was so real for Poland, except that Soviets knew better and didn't invade your country. Thank goodness for that!
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There are still discussions whether the introduction of the martial law was necessary. Some claim it was a treason to the Polish nation. However, were it not introduced, the Soviet troops would most probably enter and bloodshed would be inevitable.
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