Česko-německé drama 1918-1939 (2025)

The rise and fall of a multinational state as a prelude to World War II

Today, the German occupation of Czechoslovakia from 1939 to 1945 and the subsequent expulsion of Sudeten Germans in 1945 and 1946 are usually understood as the Czech-German drama of the 20th century. The preceding period fades into the mists of oblivion, yet these years leading up to 1939 have an impact on the future of all of Europe: It is the events of that time that lead directly to World War II.

The author of the book Der Krieg, der viele Väter hatte (The War That Had Many Fathers) now examines how events in Czechoslovakia from 1918 to 1939 paved the way for World War II. He paints a nuanced picture of a multinational state with its seven nationalities and six million citizens of national minorities who wanted to leave this state in 1938 and 1939. He repeatedly gives voice to both the politicians of the interested powers and the Slovaks, Czechs, Rusyns, and Sudeten Germans living at that time, allowing the reader to form their own opinion.