The aftermath of the first world war sees declarations of independence and the foundation of new states including Hungary, Czechoslovakia and PolandWhile an attempt is being made by the governments of Austria-Hungary to combine the dual monarchy in a new federation of four states, upon which an imperial manifesto has been issued, the separatist demands of the several nationalities are insistent. Related: The top 10 books about Austria-Hungary An independent Polish State should be erected which should include the territories inhabited by indisputably Polish populations, which should be assured a free and secure access to the sea, and whose political and economic independence and territorial integrity should be guaranteed by international covenant.The repeatedly announced proclamation of a Czech Republic this time took the shape of placards in all the streets saying, `The time has arrived. We already have thrown off the fetters of subjugated Slavs. We have risen to independence, and stand here today as citizens of a free Czecho-Slovak Republic.The Vienna Government is unable to give us anything we ask for. Our nation has nothing in common with those who are responsible for the horrors of this war, therefore there will not be a single person who would, contrary to the unanimous wish of the nation, deal with those who have not justice for the Czech nation at heart, and who have also no sympathy with the Polish and Jugo-Slav nations, but who are only striving for the salvation of their present privileged position of misrule and injustice. The Czech nation will follow its anti-German policy whatever may happen, being sure that its just cause will finally triumph, especially to-day when it became a part of the great ideals of the Entente, whose victory will be the only good produced by this terrible war. Continue reading...
|
