The National Revivals in Czechoslovakia

Abstract

The autumn of 1989 was a time of momentous change for the satellite states in Eastern Europe. After more than 40 years of Soviet hegemony, national movements opting for democracy and market economy were able to gather thousands of people in demonstrations. The communist regimes were overthrown, and soon afterwards the most visible sign of Soviet dominance, the units of the Soviet army, were withdrawn. It was a time of great hope. People expected unification of Europe, a smooth transition to democracy, restoration of basic human rights, and improved living conditions. Yet, the realization of these expectations turned out to be troublesome. At the same time, national identity and the ideology of nationalism began to play a more significant role. As regards Czechoslovakia, for example, the West learned that it was not inhabited by Czechoslovaks but by Czechs and Slovaks. Later, the map of Europe had to be redrawn once again as Czechoslovakia was separated into two separate states.