Location, Location, Location! History and Geography of the Czech Republic George Adams EDU 553 Dr. Stoloff Eastern Connecticut State University.

Location, Location, Location!

History and Geography of the Czech Republic

George AdamsEDU 553 Dr. Stoloff

Eastern Connecticut State University

An Interesting Perspective• The Czech Republic is one of the few countries whose boundaries can be seen

from space. Essentially, from a geographical point of view, the Czech Republic lies on the boundary line of two mountain ranges. The hilly western and middle part of Bohemia is formed by the Czech highlands and the slightly higher mountain ranges of Šumava, Český les, Krušné hory, Krkonoše, Orlické hory and Jeseníky. The West Carpathian Mountains (Beskydy) lie in the eastern part of the country.

• Satellite View Czech Republic

Climate of the Czech Republic

• Being almost totally surrounded by mountains, the Czech Republic is unique in that its climatic differences are purely the result of topographical changes within the boundaries, rather than prevailing winds or geographical latitude.

• The climate is labeled as “moderate” and is dependent on two major pressure centers: The Icelandic Low, and the Azores High.

• As a result, the relatively small area of the Czech Republic experiences the benefits of many varied climates – its unique geographical location makes it a popular vacation spot for all types of seasonal activities.

Ecology• The Czech countryside

offers varied terrain, and seasonal changes create a unique environment that is strictly protected from an ecological standpoint.

• Historically, the Czech Republic has zealously guarded its physical identity, recognizing its ideal location on European trade routes, and its mountain borders as naturally protective barriers.

Early History• Some of the oldest settlement in

the area that is now called the Czech Republic was by a Celtic tribe called the Boii. The area now referred to as “Bohemia” derives its name from them.

• Later, Germanic tribes replaced the Boii, who in turn were replaced by the Slavs in the 6th century CE.

• After the Slavic tribes were united in the 7th century CE, the Great Moravian Empire was established along the Morava River.

• This empire was expanded to include today’s Bohemia, Slovakia, southern Poland, and western Hungary, and found itself precipitously located between the Byzantine Empire, and the Germanic Empire.

Christianity

• In an effort to protect itself from Germanic religious influence, the Moravian Empire requested that the Byzantine Empire send two missionaries from Constantinople, Cyril and Methodius, to introduce Eastern Christianity in the region.

• Later, in 885, Roman Catholicism was adopted.

The Growth of Prague

• The Pfemyslid Dynasty ruled Czech lands for the next 400 years until 1300.

• During this time, Prague, being at the nexus of several trade routes, became the seat of power and Czech lands enjoyed high economic and cultural status.

• Vratislav II became the first Czech king in1085.

• Prague castle is seen at left.

Charles IV

• John of Luxembourg ruled the country from 1310 until 1346, and expanded the territory of the Czech lands.

• His son, Charles IV, established Prague as the cultural capital of central Europe, and the city flourished during his rule. Historically, he is regarded as a brilliant man, fluent in several languages, and adept at diplomacy. In his name, the Charles University was established – the first university in central Europe.

• Charles IV is known as “the father of the Czech nation.”

The Hussite Wars• Prague, as well as a majority of

Europe, experienced conflict in the 15th century between Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church.

• Followers of the Protestant martyr John Huss, led the Hussite Wars from 1420 to 1434.

• Many treasured artifacts were destroyed during these wars, which ended with an agreement between the Hussites and the Catholic Church, allowing a Hussite to take the throne.

Jiří z Poděbrad • George of Kunštát and Podebrady (Jiří z Poděbrad ),

a Protestant, became the second most beloved king in Czech history.

• After being selected by the Hussites in 1458, he wished to unite all of Europe in a reign of peaceful coexistence between Protestants and Catholics. He was successful, and even after his death, this peaceful coexistence continued.

• Statue of George of

Kunštát and Podebrady

The Habsburg Dynasty and the Dark Ages

• Remarkably, after the Habsburg Dynasty took the throne in 1526 (following the death in battle of Ludwig Jagellon, one of the successors of George Podebrady,) it was to remain the ruling power until 1918!

• Ferdinand I firmly reinstated the Catholic religion, and moved the seat of power to Vienna.

• During the Habsburg rule, in the early 1600s, there was a second Protestant War. The Protestants were defeated at the Battle of White Mountain, but a thirty-year war continued across Europe.

• Protestant leaders were executed, and the Czech language and culture suffered.

• This time in Czech history is referred to as the Dark Ages.

Maria Therese and Joseph II• After the tumult of the 17th Century, the Czech Dark Age

began to recede with Marie Therese’s rise to power in 1740.• She ruled for forty years until her son, Joseph II took the

throne. • Joseph II continued the reforms his mother had started,

including reducing the power of the Catholic Church, and granting rights to religious minorities.

The National Revival and the Industrial Revolution

• At the end of the 18th century, a movement called the National Revival began. It succeeded in placing the study of the Czech language in schools, and revived pride in Czech history and culture.

• In the 19th Century, the effects of the Industrial Revolution were felt, with the building of factories and railroads that led to tremendous population growth, particularly in Vienna and Prague.

The Assassination Archduke Ferdinand, the Formation of Czechoslovakia, and the Iron Curtain

• The Habsburg Dynasty’s continued hold on the throne was dramatically affected by the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in 1914.

• The shockwaves across Europe created by this brutal act predicated the political and civil unrest that would lead to World War I, and heralded the inevitable end of the once-great Habsburg line.

• Following World War I, the Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austrio-Hungarian Empire joined to form Czechoslovakia.

• During World War II, Czechoslovakia suffered annexation to the German Republic. After the war, Czechoslovakia fell once again under another nation’s control, finding itself “behind the Iron Curtain” – under the influence of the Soviet Union.

Velvet Revolution and “Divorce”

• Despite attempts to liberate the country from Communist rule, it was not until 1989, and the fall of the Soviet Union, that Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through the “Velvet (or non-violent) Revolution.”

• Similarly, in 1993, the one country became two – with the “Velvet Divorce”, the modern Czech Republic, and Slovakia were born as separate entities.

• Hilton Hotel,

Prague

The Czech Republic in Modern Times

• The Czech Republic today is a strong member of the world community, having joined NATO in 1999, and the European Union in 2004.

• While it may look different today, the Czech Republic keeps its stirring and remarkable history close to its heart, even while facing the challenges that the 21st Century may bring.

• Modern Prague shares space with its past.

References

• Nov.2, 2006 History of the Czech Republic Retrieved 11/02/06 from web site:http://www.czechtourism.com/

• Nov. 4, 2006 General search: Czech Republic Retrieved 11/04/06 from website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Republic

• Nov. 4, 2006 History and Geography of the Czech Republic Retrieved 11/04/06 from website: http://www.czech.cz/

• Nov. 8, 2006 The Habsburg Dynasty Retrieved 11/08/06 from website: http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1605/habsburg.htm

• Nov. 10, 2006 George Podebrady Retrieved 11/11/06 from website: http://www.answers.com/topic/george-of-podebrad