Czech Democratization
A history of Czech democratization.
Contents
First Czechoslovak Republic
During World War 1, the Austro-Hungarian politician Masaryk lobbied Wilson for independence. In 1918, the Allied Powers recognized him as the effective head of state for an incoming independent Czechoslovakia. He was elected in actuality that November.
Second Czechoslovak Republic
The second republic, for all intents and purposes, is tied to the presidency of Hácha.
The Munich Betrayal established Czechoslovakia as a de facto German client state. Accordingly, the Communist Party was banned, Jews were blacklisted from political and educational positions, and Jewish-owned firms were seized.
The First Vienna Award further partitioned the country, with Carpathian Ruthenia being seized by Horthy.
Government in Exile
Beneš declared himself the president of Czechoslovakia in exile. He leverage the Czechoslovak intelligence community to maintain recognition as such from the Allies.
Third Czechoslovak Republic
The Third Republic had a unicameral legislature. The Constituent National Assembly was elected by proportional representation. Importantly though, the National Front coalition effectively held all seats. The Košice Program had established limited multi-party democracy.
Socialist Czechoslovak Republic
Briefly known as the Fourth Czechoslovak Republic, the Socialist Czechoslovak Republic was a Soviet satellite state.
Non-Communist ministers of the National Front coalition resigned in February 1948, leaving the Communists in full control. Elections in March cemented this. The new
Czech and Slovak Federative Republic