Československo-lotyšská společnost v letech 1925–1941

• Authors: Ivan Malý

Title variants

EN

CZECHOSLOVAK-LATVIAN SOCIETY IN 1925-1941

• Languages of publication: CS

Abstracts

EN

The Czech interest in the Baltic countries, including Latvia, brought about the creation of the Czechoslovak-Latvian Society in 1925. The Society, in spite of being a sort of relic of the 19th century love for clubs and associations, was also a response to the new organization of Europe after World War I. The emergence of a number of independent countries in 1918, including Czechoslovakia and Latvia, made it possible to establish direct contacts between these two countries. Czechoslovak diplomacy was well aware of Latvia's strategic position in the Baltic Region because of its most advanced industry in that area. The possibility of close military contacts was also discussed. Czechoslovakia, in turn, appeared to be Latvia's useful ally in the heart of Europe due to its highly advanced economy, respectable level of education and abundant cultural life. Such contacts were also favored in view of Czechoslovakia's close alliance with the victorious Entente Powers, particularly with France, which is what Latvia also strived for. Therefore, the emergence of an association or club to develop non-political, purely cultural and social contacts between the two countries seems almost natural. The idea of Czechoslovak-Latvian Society was supported by a number of political and business groups, which helped its development. The Society was created on the initiative of Eduards Krasts, Latvia's consul in Prague, and helped develop cultural and economic relations between the two countries, particularly during the first decade of its existence. Then, its activities declined as a result of the political development in Latvia and of the aggravating international position of Czechoslovakia. The occupation of Bohemia and Moravia, the outbreak of World War II and the occupation of Latvia by the Soviet Army put an end to the Society's existence at the turn of the year 1940. In spite of its short life the Society could significantly contribute to the mutual understanding and relations between Czechoslovakia and Latvia.

Keywords

EN

HISTORY; 20TH CENTURY; CZECHOSLOVAKIA; LATVIA; BALTIC COUNTRIES; INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Discipline

• HISTORY: HISTORY

• Publisher: Institute of History, Czech Academy of Sciences
• Journal: Moderní dějiny: sborník k dějinám 19. a 20. století (Modern History: Studies into 19th and 20th century history)
• Year: 2011
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 119-147

Contributors

author

Ivan Malý

• Národní muzeum, Oddělení novodobých dějin, Václavské nám. 68, 115 79 Praha 1, Czech Republic