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History Of The Czech People

The ancient principalities of Bohemia and Moravia now form the modern Czech Republic. The country belongs among the smaller states of Europe, with a population of about 10 million, but this population has inherited a rich history. The Bohemian Kingdom, which was founded in the tenth and eleventh centuries, expanded and contracted according to the successes of its rulers, leaving countless castles and other historical markers behind. The Hussite religious movement of the fifteenth century had a great influence on later protestant movements in Europe and on the subsequent Catholic revivals, all of which had significant positive impacts on the general level of education and wealth of the region.

Much of the glory of that period can still be seen in buildings and other physical landmarks that were not destroyed during the Thirty Years War or later. Their history in the nineteenth century is characterized, however, by a renaissance of Czech culture and literature.

The end of the First World War witnessed the rebirth of an independent Czech and Slovak state, Czechoslovakia, which became an island of democracy in Central Europe. This period lasted only twenty years, however, because Germany later occupied the westernpart of the country and supported the formation of an independent Slovak state, After the second World War, in 1945, Czechoslovakia was again reborn, but its period of democratic growth was ended by a Communist coup d'etat. For forty years, the Czechoslovaks became allies of the Soviet Union.

In November of 1989, the Soviet-supported regime in Czechoslovakia collapsed. The Velvet Revolution ushered in a period of profound change and rejuvenation, renewed contact with Western thought, technology, information and economic health. In 1993, the Czechs and the Slovaks again parted ways. In 1995, the Czech Republic became a member of the OECD, The country is currently speeding towards the day when it will become a full memeber of the European Community.

Late spring and summer are beautiful, and popular, times to visit the Czech Republic. In July and August, you can (surprisingly for some) find some great bargains on upscale (four- and five-star) accommodations, as many normally expensive hotels try to make up for the absence of their business clientele during the vacation season. Prague is quite busy in the summer, but most tourists tend to stay only on the main streets and squares, especially along the Royal Route (Old Town Square - Karlova Street - Charles Bridge - Mostecká Street - Nerudova Street - Prague Castle). Escape the crowds by venturing into side streets, passageways, and courtyards (don't worry, it IS safe), where you will discover interesting architecture, little cafes and shops, and maybe a secret garden or two.