Exactly one year after the Communist takeover in Czechoslovakia, on February 25, 1949, the Council of Free Czechoslovakia (Rada svobodneho Ceskoslovenska) was founded in Washington, D.C. The governments of twenty-one countries recognized its establishment. Initially, the Council claimed to be a kind of representative umbrella organization for the democratic Czechoslovak exile, but this idea quickly proved unworkable. Many different political groups and stubborn personalities were present, and it appeared almost impossible to unify them with any single platform indefinitely.

 

Indeed, disputes over concepts and objectives soon arose, as well as attempts to rehash postwar developments in Czechoslovakia and to bring a new point of view to controversial topics, such as the expulsion of the Sudeten Germans, the degree of guilt and collaboration with the Communists, and the future of the Slovak nation within Czechoslovakia. After a promising start, the Council - particularly its twelve-member Executive Committee consisting of former politicians, diplomats, journalists, high governmental and military officials - soon suffered from such fundamental fragmentation and contradictions that it could not effectively provide leadership.  

 

 

Deadline: March 31, 2018

Contact: czechembassypr@gmail.com 

 

The Embassy of the Czech Republic invites Czech-American individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations from around the United States to submit a photo of what it means to be Czech-American to them in order to join in the 2018 celebrations of 100 years of Czech Independence. 

These photos may depict people enjoying Czech food and drink or watching their favorite Czech sports star compete. They may include Czech products, such as technology, cars or bikes, or even toys, being put to the test. They may also incorporate Czech books, films, theater, and language as well as permanent symbols such as signs, statues, memorials or murals. The photos should demonstrate Czech-American inspiration, heritage and pride.