Vlasta Adele Vraz : A Czech-American during Communist Czechoslovakia

Vlasta Adele Vraz was a Czech-American who served as the director of American Relief for Czechoslovakia after World War II and was arrested as a spy by the Communist government in Czechoslovakia.

Jiřina Šiklová: Sociologist, Gender Studies Professor, and Dissident

Jiřina Šiklová was a Czech leader in the communist Party of Czechoslovakia. She is known for her bold opinions on politics and humanism, and co-founded the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University.

Capuchin Crypt

Founded in the 17th century, the Capuchin Crypt in Brno holds the natural mummified remains of 150 Capuchin brothers, 50 benefactors, a Roman noblewoman, and a famous soldier.

Tomáš Masaryk and the United States

Tomáš Masaryk, first president of Czechoslovakia, was inspired by the freedom and democracy of the United States. While negotiating for Czechoslovakia’s independence, Masaryk developed not only political relationships, but also personal and intellectual ones with the United States.

The Bohemian Revolt: Battle and Execution

On November 8, 1620, the Bohemian army had lost the Battle of White Mountain, resulting in the Bohemian Revolt, which proved to have dire consequences on those who participated.

Czech Cottage Culture

Czechoslovakia has a rich history of cottages and cabins that began at the end of the 19th century and during the Communist regime. However, the popularity of these homes decreased and then during COVID-19 a resurgence of cottage culture appeared.

Warsaw Pact

Warsaw Pact

Created on May 14, 1955, the Warsaw Pact, also known as the Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation, and Mutual Assistance, was a collective of Eastern European countries prompted by West Germany joining NATO in the Paris Agreement in May 1955.

Oldřich Kulhánek and the Czech Koruna

Oldřich Kulhánek was a Czech artist and critic of the Communist Regime best known for his work on designing the current Czech banknotes.

Language of the Flowers

On November 2nd, the Czech Republic celebrates All Souls’ Day, where the tradition of laying flowers, and other gifts on loved ones’ graves is done. These flowers are picked based on their meanings, which is chosen by their type, color, and even smell.

A History of Czech Feminism

The once egalitarian, agrarian society of Bohemia became ruled by the Hapsburg Dynasty, causing a regression in women’s rights until Christianity helped improve their lives. The National Revival brought the creation of Czechoslovakia and greater rights for women. When communism came, rights improved in some ways and did not in others. The change to a capitalistic democracy brought further changes.

Czech National Revival

A response to increased Germanization, the Czech National Revival revived Czech literature, language, history, and politics. Increased nationalism marked this period of cultural revival.

Karlovy Vary Film Festival

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, or KVIFF, hosts about 200 films from around the world and is the oldest film festival. Located in Karlovy Very, Czech Republic, the film festival is held annually in July and is the most prestigious festival in Central and Eastern Europe, boasting a popular feature film competition.

The Legend of Lech, Cech, and Rus

The legend of the three brothers Lech, Cech, and Rus, who became the ancestors of the Polish, Czech, and Rus, explains how these cultures were created.

The Bohemian Revolt: Defenestration and War

The decision in establishing an emperor’s successor would lead to a conflict that would spark the Thirty Years’ War. The Bohemian revolt initially started off in favor of the Bohemians, but it damaged diplomacy. Victory in this conflict for either side would hinge on the battle that would take place at White Mountain.

Casanova's time in Bohemia

Giacomo Girolamo Casanova, a man whose name has become synonymous with womanizing, spent his final years and composed a rich autobiography in Bohemia.

Houska Castle

Houska Castle is a castle located in the Liberec region of the Czech Republic. The castle was built in the Gothic style during the second half of the 13th century, and later underwent a Renaissance modification in the late 1500s.

Gender Roles under Communism

Under Communist leadership, Czechoslovakia held that women’s emancipation was equal access to the workforce and increased educational and social reforms, but they failed to address the issues of housework, gender roles, and women’s political presence.

LGBTQ+ Marriage In The Czech Republic and Slovakia

The former communist-controlled Czech Republic is now one of the most progressive countries regarding LGBTQ+ (same-sex or transgender) rights, but inequality remains.