Czech & Slovak Republics and Hungary

Czechoslovakia

Czech History Kings ruled an independent kingdom within the Holy Roman Empire Then 400 years of rule by the Austrian Monarchs 1918 – The winners of WWI approved plans to create a new nation – Czechoslovakia (Czech lands and Slovakia It became one of the most stable democratic governments in the region Hitler invaded in 1930’s Soviet’s expelled the Germans in 1945 and the directed a communist takeover. Communist from 1948 – 1989.

Velvet Revolution Revolution without bloodshed Resulted in election of a democratic parliament and a transition to a free society and a market –based economy

Velvet Divorce Despite government attempts at fairness, Slovaks felt that the Czech –dominated government did not serve their interests Czech and Slovak leaders worked together to create two separate counties in 1993.

Czech Republic 10 million people Size of South Carolina Plateaus and Mountains Independent nation in 1993

Czech Economy Privatization Seeking EU membership Strong Industrial base Skilled workforce

Czech Regions Bohemia –Western half –Mines (coal,iron ore, copper, lead) –Industry –Quartz – glass making –Prague Moravia –Old coal and steel industries

Challenges Old, inefficient industry Pollution –56% forests destroyed by acid rain and pollution

Slovakia Slovak Republic 5 million people Mountains in north, plains in south Danube river Farming & Manufacturing

Farming… Fruits, vegetables and grains grow near the Danube Oats and potatoes farther north (higher elevation) 1948 – communists – “Collective Farms”

Factories Manufacturing was not important until Communists assumed power Built many new factories – wages encouraged many people to move to cities like Bratislava. Some industries made transition – like tanks to earth moving machinery. Others did not.

Hungary 90% descended from Magyars who settled the area in the 800’s About the size of Indiana Long History

History “Birth” of nation in 1000 when the Pope crowned King Stephen Have had to get rid of several foreign rulers throughout their history Tried to oust the communists in 1956, but failed 1990 – First free elections in 40 years.

Hungary’s Regions Danube divides into two regions East –Broad plain – “Great Alfold” –“Breadbasket” of Europe West –Hills – “Transdanubia” –Deposits of Bauxite, coal, iron ore

Economy Like Poland, transition from communism to free market was difficult, with many speed bumps Modern economy, with privatization programs, is strong

The End