The image of the Czech, the Slovak, Czechoslovakia and Slovakia since 1919 in Polish historiography, in handbooks and school curricula

Abstract

The theme of the article is a picture of Czechia, Slovakia, and Czechoslovakia in Polish historiography and in school textbooks after 1919. The author believes that the content of this image had a significant impact on the so-called Cieszyn question in the relations between Czechoslovakia and Poland, as well as Ukrainian irredentism. This problem was most clearly and noticeably visualized in ethnic stereotypes and left a notable mark in Polish historiography. Czechoslovakia in historical literature was depicted as contradictory characteristics with negative connotations. This was due to the seizure of Czechoslovakia Teshinskaya region during the Soviet-Polish war. The image of Slovaks in Polish historiography was more positive because of the Catholicism that dominates Slovakia, as well as the understatement of their role in Czechoslovakia. A bit of this image was weakened of agression independent Slovakia on Poland at the side of the Third Reich. After the war, the image of Czechoslovakia evolved. During the period of socialism, Polish historiography was heavily censored, and therefore the images of Czechoslovakia, Czechs and Slovaks were distorted. After 1989 the possibility of free studies and critical assessments was renewed. Polish historians sought to avoid radical assessments and stereotypes. Therefore, the images of Czechs or Slovaks in school curricula and school textbooks were relaxed. The frequency of mention in school programs has decreased. Among the important Czechs appear Jan Hus, Thomas Masaryk, Vaclav Havel, sometimes Antonin Dubcek. Also was presented a dispute in the interwar period on the background of the issue.

Keywords

• poland
• czechoslovakia
• czechs
• slovaks
• cieszyn question
• school books and school curricula
• historiography
• stereotypes