Czechoslovakia

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Czechoslovakia
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Maria Dowling
SeriesBrief Histories
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:208
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 139
ISBN/Barcode 9780340763698
ClassificationsDewey:943.703
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
General
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Hodder Arnold
Publication Date 3 May 2002
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Located at the heart of Europe between east and west, Czechoslovakia was the pivot of 20th-century European history. Created out of the ruins of an empire, it remained a beacon of democracy in a continent darkened by facism and communism. But unable to resist the machinations of greater powers, it succumbed to Nazi invasion and partition on the eve of World War II. After that conflict it underwent a communist dictatorship, which was lightened only briefly by the Prague Spring of 1968. Finally, the Czechoslovaks reclaimed liberty and democracy in the Velvet Revolution of 1989. This text presents the history of Czechoslovakia with themes of perennial interest - nationalism, democracy, and authoritarian rule. As well as guiding the reader through the particularly rich and varied experiences of Czechoslovakia, the text illuminates the nature of government, power and culture in 20th-century Europe.

Author Biography

Maria Dowling is Senior Lecturer at St Mary's University College, UK

Reviews

The greatest strength of Dowling's survey is the inclusion of cultural history within the political narrative. Australian History Yearbook 36