Did the October Revolution in Russia Influence the Emergence of Czechoslovakia? To the Changes in the 20th Century Interpretations of Historical Events

Abstract

This study deals with the changes in the interpretation of relations between the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the establishment of Czechoslovakia in the autumn of 1918, throughout the 20th century. The interwar era emphasized the importance of T. G. Masaryk and the Czechoslovak legions, after the World War II - especially in 1948-1989 - the establishment of Czechoslovakia was associated with the Russian October Revolution of 1917, in response to communist riots. The interpretation of the origin of Czechoslovakia in 1918 is much more diversified today, at the beginning of the 21st century; in relation to the Russian environment, it rather recalls the importance of the February Revolution of 1917, the overthrow of the Tsar, which could also lead to the overthrow of the Austro-Hungarian and German empires.