PT Journal
AU Dvorscakova, Z
TI The Role of Andrej Hlinka in Czech-Slovak Relations before 1910
SO Historica Olomucensia
PY 2012
BP 163
EP 180
VL 43
IS 3
AB The aim of the paper is to present the development of relations between Slovaks and Czechs during the long-lasting Magyarization oppression. This is done through the personalities involved in the issue: Karel Kalal, Alois Kolisek, Jozef Rotnagl from the Czech, and Vavro Srobar, Pavol Blaho and last but not least Andrej Hlinka from the Slovak side. The study focuses particularly on the activities of Andrej Hlinka, a representative of the Slovak political Catholicism who performed a variety of activities in order to reinforce the relations between Slovaks and Czechs. His way of thinking, his influence, behaviour and actions led Slovak population to consolidate their own identity and to feel allied with Czechs and Moravians. The events of the year 1907 were the key moments for the development of Czech-Slovak relations, when not only a new stage of Czech activities for Slovaks but also a new Slovak perception of Czechs began. In the atmosphere of still increasing Magyarization Hlinka's lecture tour and the tragedy in Cernova gave a powerful impetus to the Czech-Slovak relations. These were also the crucial events for Slovak and Czech population. The year of 1907 was therefore a historic one, representing a tragic crossroad in the history of both nations.
ER