Czech Republic

The Czech Republic (Czech: ?eská republika {{Audio|Cs-Ceska republika Cesko.ogg|listen}}) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The republic borders Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. Although the Czech Republic is the youngest country in Europe, it offers many examples of old architecture such as historic Prague (Czech: Praha), a major tourist attraction, its capital and largest city. Other major cities include Brno, Ostrava, Plze?, Hradec Králové, ?eské Bud?jovice, and Ústí nad Labem.

History

Main article: History of the Czech Republic

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The Czech lands emerged in the late 9th century when it was unified by the P?emyslids. The kingdom of Bohemia was a significant local power, but religious conflicts such as the 15th century Hussite Wars and the 17th century Thirty Years War were devastating. It later came under the Habsburg influence and became part of Austria-Hungary.

Related Topics:
9th century - P?emyslids - Kingdom - Bohemia - 15th century - Hussite Wars - 17th century - Thirty Years War - Habsburg - Austria-Hungary

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Following the collapse of this state after World War I, the Czechs and neighbouring Slovaks joined together and formed the independent republic of Czechoslovakia in 1918. This new country contained a large German minority, which would lead to the dissolution of Czechoslovakia when Germany successfully annexed the minority through the Munich Agreement in 1938, and Slovakia gained greater autonomy, with the state renamed "Czecho-Slovakia". Slovakia broke away further in 1939 and the remaining Czech state was occupied by the Germans.

Related Topics:
World War I - Slovaks - Czechoslovakia - 1918 - German - Germany - Munich Agreement - 1938 - 1939

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After World War II, a reconstituted Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalise party rule and create "socialism with a human face" during the Prague Spring.

Related Topics:
World War II - Soviet - Sphere of influence - 1968 - Warsaw Pact - Socialism - Prague Spring

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In 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its "freedom" through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution". On January 1, 1993, the country peacefully split in two, creating independent Czech and Slovak republics.

Related Topics:
1989 - Velvet Revolution - January 1 - 1993 - Split in two - Slovak

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The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Related Topics:
NATO - 1999 - European Union - 2004

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