Occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany (1938–1945)
The occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany between 1938 and 1945 was a crucial component of the expansionist policies enacted by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. This occupation began with the annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938 and continued with the further dismantling of Czechoslovakia, resulting in the creation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
Background to Occupation
In the years leading up to the occupation, the geopolitical landscape of Europe was marked by rising tensions. The Munich Agreement, signed in September 1938 by Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, permitted Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia with a substantial ethnic German population. This accord was part of the policy of appeasement, which sought to prevent further conflict by conceding to some of Hitler's territorial demands.
Annexation of the Sudetenland
Following the Munich Agreement, German forces occupied the Sudetenland in October 1938. This occupation was justified by Hitler on the basis of protecting the ethnic Germans living there. The annexation was a significant victory for Nazi Germany, as it not only fulfilled a key aspect of Hitler's expansionist agenda but also showcased the failure of appeasement.
Establishment of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia
In March 1939, Hitler ordered the occupation of the remainder of Czechoslovakia. This resulted in the formation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, which was directly controlled by Nazi Germany. Emil Hácha, the then-President of Czechoslovakia, was coerced into accepting German occupation to avoid further military conflict.
The Protectorate operated under a veneer of autonomy but was essentially governed by German officials and Nazi policies. The Protectorate's establishment marked the first time Hitler expanded German territory by invading a neighboring country that was not majority German-speaking.
Impact and Resistance
The occupation had profound impacts on the political, social, and economic fabric of Czechoslovakia. The German administration imposed strict measures, including the implementation of Nazi propaganda and the suppression of any form of resistance.
Despite the oppressive regime, resistance movements emerged. The Czech resistance, although fragmented and operating under difficult conditions, played a significant role in opposing Nazi rule. This resistance was supported by various international actors, and acts of sabotage and intelligence gathering were common.
Aftermath of Occupation
The occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany ended with the liberation of the region by Allied forces in 1945. The occupation and subsequent liberation had lasting effects on Czechoslovakia, leading to post-war political realignments and the eventual expulsion of ethnic Germans from the region.