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Questions and Answers
What percentage of the Austro-Hungarian army did the Slovaks represent during military mobilization?
What percentage of the Austro-Hungarian army did the Slovaks represent during military mobilization?
Which Slovak political figure was active in Budapest?
Which Slovak political figure was active in Budapest?
In which towns did Slovaks participate in military actions during the early stages of WWI?
In which towns did Slovaks participate in military actions during the early stages of WWI?
What was a significant change in the consciousness of Slovaks in the United States compared to those in Hungary?
What was a significant change in the consciousness of Slovaks in the United States compared to those in Hungary?
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What was a reaction of Slovak political parties to the outbreak of WWI?
What was a reaction of Slovak political parties to the outbreak of WWI?
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What was one consequence of military events on Slovak politics during WWI?
What was one consequence of military events on Slovak politics during WWI?
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Which organization did several American Slovaks merge into in 1907?
Which organization did several American Slovaks merge into in 1907?
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Who were key figures in the conspiratorial activities in Bratislava during WWI?
Who were key figures in the conspiratorial activities in Bratislava during WWI?
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What was a direct consequence of the anti-war feelings among Slovak soldiers during the First World War?
What was a direct consequence of the anti-war feelings among Slovak soldiers during the First World War?
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What was the significance of the Washington Declaration published by T.G. Masaryk?
What was the significance of the Washington Declaration published by T.G. Masaryk?
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Which action marked the formal establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic?
Which action marked the formal establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic?
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What impact did the Czechoslovak Legions have on international recognition of Czechoslovakia?
What impact did the Czechoslovak Legions have on international recognition of Czechoslovakia?
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Which event occurred after the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic?
Which event occurred after the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic?
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How did the Slovaks express their desire for self-determination in 1918?
How did the Slovaks express their desire for self-determination in 1918?
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What were the estimated losses among Slovak soldiers during the First World War?
What were the estimated losses among Slovak soldiers during the First World War?
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Which process was crucial for the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918?
Which process was crucial for the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918?
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What was T.G. Masaryk's main objective after leaving Austria in 1914?
What was T.G. Masaryk's main objective after leaving Austria in 1914?
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Why was Masaryk's proposal for Czechoslovakia met with skepticism by the Great Powers?
Why was Masaryk's proposal for Czechoslovakia met with skepticism by the Great Powers?
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What significant change occurred in the representation of Czechs and Slovaks by the end of the war?
What significant change occurred in the representation of Czechs and Slovaks by the end of the war?
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What role did Edvard Beneš and Milan Rastislav Štefánik play in the establishment of Czechoslovakia?
What role did Edvard Beneš and Milan Rastislav Štefánik play in the establishment of Czechoslovakia?
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What was a significant consequence of Masaryk's promotion of a single Czechoslovak nation?
What was a significant consequence of Masaryk's promotion of a single Czechoslovak nation?
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Which of the following best describes the approach Masaryk took to convince the Entente Powers?
Which of the following best describes the approach Masaryk took to convince the Entente Powers?
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Which event marked the formation of the Czechoslovak National Council (ČSNR)?
Which event marked the formation of the Czechoslovak National Council (ČSNR)?
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How did the Great Powers view the Habsburg Monarchy during the discussions of Czechoslovak independence?
How did the Great Powers view the Habsburg Monarchy during the discussions of Czechoslovak independence?
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Study Notes
Slovakia in the 20th Century
- War significantly impacted Slovak society, with estimated 69,700 dead and 61,680 disabled soldiers. Desertions and anti-war sentiment increased in the final year.
- Military mutinies occurred in locations like Boka Kotorská, Rímavská Sobota, Kragujevac, and Bratislava.
Establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic
- Separating from Austria-Hungary was impossible, because of the abroad struggle against it and its military and strategic importance.
- The Entente Powers eventually supported the establishment of nation-states on the ruins of the Monarchy.
- T. G. Masaryk was instrumental in formulating the Washington Declaration (October 18, 1918), outlining Czechoslovakia's democratic principles.
- Czechoslovakia was declared on October 28, 1918, in Prague.
- Vavro Šrobár signed initial Slovak legislation for the Slovaks. However, this was not authorized by the Slovak National Council.
- On October 30, 1918, the Slovak National Council met in Martin and declared support for joining a Czecho-Slovak state.
Pittsburgh Agreement
- The Pittsburgh Agreement (May 3, 1918) promised Slovak autonomy within the future Czechoslovak state, but didn't fully incorporate Slovakia as an equal member.
- This document was significant due to the participation of important Czecho-Slovak representatives.
Abroad Struggle of the Czechs and Slovaks
- T. G. Masaryk, in 1914, aimed for the Austro-Hungarian Empire to collapse and a Czechoslovak state to be formed.
- Masaryk's plan was presented to the British government in 1915.
- He faced challenges convincing the Entente Powers to support Czech and Slovak independence.
- Masaryk, Edvard Beneš,and Milan Rastislav Štefánik emphasized the creation of a single Czechoslovak nation, rather than two separate entities.
- This approach was vital in gaining support for recognition.
- The Czechoslovak National Council (ČSNR) was formed in 1916, in Paris, with Masaryk as chairman, and focus on forming legions from prisoners of war, deserters, and volunteers in various parts of Europe.
Effects of the War on the Slovak Population
- Economy severely impacted; state control, restricted supplies, and shortages of manpower were significant issues.
- Wartime legislation reduced worker rights, and women entered previously male-dominated professions due to the lack of men.
- The war caused inflation and a general economic decline, peaking in a major strike in 1918.
Slovak Political Groups during the War
- Slovak political groups initially expressed loyalty to the Austro-Hungarian empire out of concern for possible persecution. However, secret groups and political discussions grew supporting the idea of Czechoslovakia.
- Several Slovak activists operated in Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and other locations, influencing the national independence movement.
- Emil Stodola, Ferdinand Juriga, Emanuel Lehocký, Vavro Šrobár, and Andrej Hlinka emerged as important figures in the Slovak independence effort.
Slovak Activities in the United States
- A large Slovak population existed in the US, with considerable political activity towards a Czechoslovak Republic.
- Their views, driven by the democratic culture and desire to return home, emphasized the need for Slovak self-governance, language rights and separate statehood.
- The Cleveland Agreement (1915) detailed their support for a federated, independent Czechoslovakia with separate governmental structures.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Slovakia's tumultuous history in the 20th century, including the impact of war and the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic. Explore events from military actions to the formation of a new nation-state in the aftermath of World War I. How well do you understand this significant period of Slovak history?
