Radio as a tool of political propaganda had introduced a new dimension in ideological struggle between Czechoslovak Republic (CSR) and neighbouring countries. Since its establishment, CSR became a target of hostile propaganda spreading namely by Hungary. Technological progress during the second decade of 20th century enabled the radio to become increasingly popular influencing growing segment of population. Caustic relations between both countries had resulted from reluctance of Hungary to accept the Treaty of Trianon. Hungarian authorities determined to reverse inclusion of Slovakia to Czechoslovak Republic, focused foreign policy and state propaganda upon goal to achieve revision, which would result in establishment of status quo ante. This aim was supported by a significant number of Hungarians living in the Southern Slovakia. Therefore, political and cultural activities of ethnic Hungarians were judged by Czechoslovak authorities with suspicion and in cases when they were classified as irredentist, state security agencies suppressed them. On interstate level both countries waged ideological war, accusing each other of hostile acts. In this state of affairs radio gained an increasing importance. Constant improvement of quality and decreasing price made radio a valuable tool of political propaganda. Unlike other forms of propaganda (newspapers, leaflets, books, public speeches, etc.), radio broadcast was impossible to stop from penetrating state boundary. Significance of radio propaganda between Czechoslovakia and Hungary was increased by geographical closeness of both countries which facilitated spreading of radio signal. In addition, radio broadcast was not limited strictly to political issues. Popularity among population was reinforced by its ability to provide a broad scale of various programs such as music, sport, religion and others, which had been influencing ideological outlook listeners. Submitted paper analyzes various aspects of role of radio in Hungarian cross-border propaganda and endeavours of Czechoslovak security authorities to minimize its impact. The paper is mainly composed of documents deposited in Slovak and Czech archives complemented by Czechoslovak contemporary press.
Two decades of existence of the First Czechoslovak Republic (CSR) were a time of adaptation of its citizens to the flow of changes, which affected all aspects of political, economic and social life. As a consequence of democratic political system, inhabitants of Czechoslovakia could actively participate in political activities in the Republic. Shortly after establishment of CSR, a number of political parties were founded, including associations representing ethnic minorities. In Slovakia, the most numerous minority was the Hungarian one and next to it the German minority. Similarly like the Slovak majority, also these ethnic groups were represented by several political parties, which associated themselves either with a coalition of ruling parties, or stayed in opposition. The paper analyzes the political development of German minority parties in Slovakia during the existence of the inter-war CSR. The attention is focused upon the differences of political orientation of two major German settlements in Slovakia -the Germans living in Bratislava and its surroundings and German community in the region of Spiš. Whereas the Carpathian German Party, which held a dominant position in Bratislava since its inception at the close of twenties, aspired to be a sole representative of German minority in Slovakia, the Spiš German Party was the most influential in the region of Spiš. Despite being a political representative of overwhelming majority of German minority members in Spiš, it pursued a pro-Hungarian policy and closely cooperated with Hungarian opposition parties. The Spiš German Party refused any form of cooperation with the Carpathian German Party, which during the second half of thirties became a part of the Sudeten German Party and took an active role in spreading of Nazi ideology in Slovakia.
Submitted paper is mapping measures enacted by Czechoslovak government during period of years 1934-1937 as a reaction to aggressive policy of Nazi Germany. Attention is given to proceedings aimed at increase of fighting ability of Czechoslovak Army such as field military exercises improvement of organization structure and elaboration of defensive operations in response to possible German attack. Focus is placed on defense construction works protecting boundaries, namely along western region of state. The paper is endeavoring to provide, in a concise fashion, a picture of struggle of Czechoslovak political leaders and military to prepare CSR to be able to cope with threat of German aggression and role of Czech and Slovak periodical press to inform public about dramatic political development during years 1935-1937. Attention is given to endeavors of periodical press in creation of confidence in Czechoslovak Republic ability to withstand danger of aggression from Nazi Germany.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.