Why October 28 Is a National Holiday in the Czech Republic
October 28th is Czechoslovak Independence Day, marking the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Although Czechoslovakia peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, October 28 remains one of the most important dates in Czech history. It commemorates the struggle for independence and the emergence of modern Czech statehood. It should not be confused with Czech Statehood Day, celebrated on September 28. Why Czechoslovakia Declared Independence in 1918 Before 1918, the Czech lands and present-day Slovakia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bohemia, Moravia and part of Silesia belonged to the Austrian half of the monarchy, while Slovakia was part of Hungary. For decades, Czech and Slovak political leaders had sought greater autonomy and the right to determine their own future. World War I, which began in 1914, weakened the empire and intensified nationalist movements. Food shortages, economic difficulties and growing public discontent increased support for an independent state. Politicians working abroad played a crucial role in the independence movement. Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Edvard Beneš and Milan Rastislav Štefánik coordinated diplomatic efforts to win support from the Allied powers. France, Great Britain and the United States recognised the Czechoslovak National Council as a provisional government in 1918. Czechoslovak legions... The post Why October 28 Is a National Holiday in the Czech Republic appeared first on Prague Morning .