Which of the external factors was most important in the Communist take over of Czechoslovakia in 1948?

World Count:
3100

By

Tomas Topolanek

IB Extended Essay
Subject: History
School: International School of Prague
Supervisor: Lawrence Hrubes
Date: 17 September 2011
Session: 2012
Candidate Number: 000889-046

Abstract:

The year 1948 was an essential period of time for the Czechoslovak history and its future. From the foundation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, Czechoslovakia was still under worldwide influence of world powers such as Soviet Union, United Kingdom or United States. In order to answer the question, “Which of the external factors was most important in the Communist take over of Czechoslovakia in 1948?” Firstly I wanted to focus my essay only on how were the Communist reliable of takeover Czechoslovakia in 1948. After investigation it was discovered that the Czechoslovak history from year 1948 was mostly affected only by the external factors. A number of secondary sources are used including textbooks and biographies; both online and print, one of the secondary source was in Czech language. The scope of the investigation is focused on years from 1938 to the final takeover in 1948. Several external examples are used, why external factors were mostly important in Communist take over. Two very significant important factors what happened were the conference in Yalta, and the Czechoslovak-Soviet Treaty of Alliance signed by Czechoslovak president Edvard Benes, but after investigation each of mentioned external factors are important for various reasons. Sources about Czechoslovak history from 1938 to 1948 are mostly used, because the essay is mostly focused on this period. In conclusion of the research paper it will argue that because of external serious consequences the Czechoslovak takeover in 1948 was mostly because of the external factors. It will also stated that if the external factors took different results, which actually did not, depended on Czechoslovakia representative’s decision, we would not have any takeover or we could be liberated by the United States.

Word count: 280

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………… 2
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………. 4
External Factors:……………………………………………………………………..4 The Munich Pact……………………………………………………………4 Czechoslovak-Soviet Treaty of Alliance ……………………………………7 Tehran Conference………………………………………………………….8 Yalta Conference……………………………………………………………9 Kosice government program.……………………………………………...10 Marshall Plan ………………………………………………......................12
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………...14
Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………..15

Introduction:

The Czechoslovak takeover in 1948 was one the most important historical events in the Czechoslovak but also Czech history. The significance of this topic is that Czechoslovakia was influenced by the Communist regime for about four decades.
The main argument is that if the external factors would have taken different results or they would not happened, we logically would not have the internal factors. Czechoslovakia was affected by the international conferences, which made Czechoslovakia more eastward facing. Later on after the Czechoslovak election in 1946, Communists gained an extreme power with no possibility to resist. But, the die was cast in previous conferences where big powers such as United Kingdom, France, Soviet Union, the United States discussed not only Czechoslovak future. Listed external factors will show the seriousness of this topic and its crucial consequences, it will answer the research question, “Which of the external factors was most important in the Communist take over of Czechoslovakia in 1948?” Also must be mentioned that the year 1948 was not that significant as the previous acts before. This topic is worthy of investigation because the consequences and importance of this topic can be related and seen at present time in Czech Republic or Slovakia. This essay will question why it was possible for Bolsheviks or the Soviets to take over Czechoslovakia in 1948 regarding external factors. This essay will be written based on external factors, which were internationally and politically powerful and crucial for the Czechoslovak economic, political but also psychological development of and individuals.

External Factors:

Munich Pact (1938)

Consequences of the Munich Pact in 1938 on September 30th were essential for Czechoslovakia for many reasons. Munich Pact was an agreement settled by Germany, Great Britain, France, and Italy that permitted German annexation of the Sudetenland in western Czechoslovakia.

Numerous minority populations lived within the borders of Czechoslovakia, among them Slovaks, Magyars, Ruthenians, and Poles. “Most strategically, numerous German-speakers were concentrated in the Sudetenland”, who could be useful in the elections 1946 as potential voters against the Communist coup. After Hitler’s “success in absorbing Austria into Germany in March 1938, Adolf Hitler looked at Czechoslovakia, where about three million people in the Sudeten area were of German origin”. It became known in May 1938 that Hitler and his generals were preparing a plan for the occupation of Czechoslovakia. The purpose of this conference was to discuss the future of the Sudetenland, which was mainly in Czechoslovakia, even though Czechoslovakia’s representatives were not invited to this conference. These are the reasons how it economically affected Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovakia was greatly affected politically and geographically. The Sudetenland were the areas at the Czech borders, which were used as a natural protection of the Czechoslovakia, also these borders were placement for important facilities such as banks which were located here.

The agreement was negotiated at a conference held in Munich, Germany, among the major powers of Europe without the presence of Czechoslovakia. The success of this policy depended on the continued cooperation of the Allied Powers, not only until the end of the war but afterward. Only in these circumstances could Czechoslovakia hope for recover her independence and territorial integrity and reinstitute her democratic institutions. “It is widely considered as a failed act of appeasement toward the Nazi Germany" more specifically Adolf Hitler. From this moment, Czechoslovakia became more available for the Soviet Union and also after each conference it made Czechoslovakia more eastward facing as well.
The president hoped that the Munich Agreement would not mark the end of his country but the beginning of a large conflict between Hitler and the democracies. “Hitler agreed to take no military action without further discussion, and Chamberlain agreed to try to persuade his cabinet and the French to accept the results of a plebiscite in the Sudetenland”. The Czechoslovaks were not consulted. “When the question of the Polish and Hungarian minorities in Czechoslovakia has been settled, Germany and Italy for their part will give a guarantee to Czechoslovakia”. The Czechoslovak government originally refused the proposal but was forced to accept it unwillingly on September 21. The Munich conference supported the Communist coup the United Kingdom and France believed that if they will allow Hitler to take weaken Czechoslovakia, the impact of World War II will be reduced or at least appeased. This did not happened. Therefore, Munich Pact and its main representatives were concerned about the Czechoslovakia movement into a Bolshevik era and gave new opportunities to Russians to easier takeover of this land. “Stalin was in fact the only winner. All others lost”. According to the research question the Munich pact as an external factor was very important for the Czechoslovak takeover, because Czechoslovakia as relatively small country could not influence this conference in her interests. The Munich Agreement in 1938 and the dismemberment of the Czechoslovak Republic had so traumatized the Czech nation that the majority regarded socialism as a guarantee of the state’s existence. “With the exception of a few Communist functionaries, no one had a precise idea of what a socialist form of society was”. The Czech's had a negative picture of the West because they considered the West to be traitorous and unreliable; also, Benes was not fond of the West and he influenced his people's opinions. The Czechoslovak nation, and Benes, felt that Germany had the potential to be a threat to Czechoslovakia.
This conference was very important sparks of the political external factor how were Communist able to take over Czechoslovakia in 1948.
Czechoslovak-Soviet Treaty of Alliance (1941)

Benes relied on foreign relations with the USSR in order to re-establish the Czechoslovak Nation. Benes had lost trust in the western powers after Munich. In order to strengthen the relationship with the USSR he signed a Czechoslovak-Soviet Treaty of Alliance on 18 July 1941. Benes felt pressure from Stalin and the USSR, which is another reason for him signing the treaty. Benes hoped that his return to Czechoslovakia after signing the treaty would result in the birth of democracy; however, similar to the Munich crisis, Benes made a poor decision. The treaty between the Czechoslovak state and the Soviet Union ended in July of 1941, in fact the Soviet state no longer recognized Benes as the country's leader and he was in exile. In September 1941 Colonel Svoboda was granted funds from the Soviet government in order to continue a good relationship between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union. This alliance was also unsuccessful and ended in December 1943.
“Czechoslovakia’s future security was supposed to be guaranteed by the Czech-Soviet Treaty of Alliance”. This pact signed by president Benes gave a straight movement of Czechoslovak eastward movement. President Benes relied on Communists, which cost irrevocable consequences.

President Benes signed the Treaty in 1943. This treaty meant that most of the Czechoslovak property would be nationalized on purpose to bring a sustainable economy back. This was the one of the most important changes in the social-economic situation due to the extensive nationalization of banks, industry and insurance companies.

The Communists had not dealt with nationalization in their proposed version of the government program, assuming that it would come later, after parliamentary elections in 1946. Because of previous experiences from the Munich Pact Benes decided to cooperate with the Soviets. According to the research question Czechoslovak-Soviet Treaty of Alliance was essential in Czechoslovak takeover in 1948.

Tehran Conference (1943)

In 1943, November 28 allied leaders of Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union have ended a conference held in Tehran, the capital of Iran. It was the first time Winston Churchill, President Franklin D Roosevelt and Marshal Joseph Stalin had met together during World War II. It immediately followed the Cairo Conference and was followed by Yalta Conference. The conference discussion was mainly about “the final strategy against Nazi Germany and its Allies” but also about dividing European countries, including Czechoslovakia. The first of only two wartime meetings between the three leaders, the Tehran Conference with confident Stalin after his several major victories on the Eastern Front. “We came here with hope and determination. We leave here, friends in fact, in spirit and in purpose”. The major aim of the Tehran conference was to plan the final strategy for the war against Nazis and its Allies at this early time after a Munich pact, which happened a few years ago.
Czechoslovakia was betrayed. Churchill and Roosevelt again gave an opportunity to Stalin to have a free rein in his own country, and according to USSR, putting up new communist governments in Poland, Baltic States, Romania, but also including Czechoslovakia, which would result in a loss of freedom by these countries for the next fifty years.

The Tehran conference was one of the most significant and important events for the Czechoslovak history. The meeting assisted in setting the stage for future “productive meetings regarding the fate of war-torn Europe”. Tehran Conference symbolized the future nature of the Allies’ relationship including military support. According to the research question the Tehran Conference was essential for Czechoslovak history because it decided about Czechoslovak aim and political movement. Czechoslovak representatives were not included and could not decide about Czechoslovak interests.

Yalta Conference (1945)

The Yalta Conference took place in a Russian town in the Crimea from February 4-11th, 1945, during World War II. At Yalta, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin made important decisions regarding the future progress strategy of the war and the postwar world. The discussion was also about the re-establishment of the nations of war-torn Europe. This conference was focused on post-war reorganization of Europe, including Czechoslovakia. This conference had played another important role in Soviet Union and Bolshevik influence. According to the Marshall Plan, which happened two years later, as an American concept to organize and re-establish order in Europe. The Soviet Union sphere influenced Czechoslovakia. The Allied leaders also discussed the future of Germany, Eastern Europe and the United Nations. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin agreed not only to include France in the postwar governing of Germany, but also that Germany should take some responsibility for reparations from the war. Churchill was focused on securing free elections for Soviet-liberate countries in Eastern Europe including Czechoslovakia.
Counter to Churchill’s desire, Stalin demanded, “to build a Soviet sphere of influence in Eastern Europe to protect against future threats”. Stalin also before writing his letter to Benes discussed with Klement Gottwald (the exiled Czech communist leader in Moscow) the policy the KSC should follow during and after the liberation of Czechoslovakia. Stalin advised Gottwald to accept Benes as president, and to come to an understanding with him and his government. There was a consensus among the Americans and the British with regards to the Eastern European Nations. They felt that the nations bordering the Soviet Union should maintain a good relationship with the Soviets. They believed this because the Soviets were geared towards liberating areas that were occupied by the Nazis.. Tehran and Yalta Conferences were essential for Czechoslovak post war development according to the Czechoslovak future eastward facing future. The fate of postwar Czechoslovakia, like that of other small nations of East Central Europe, did not depend on the will and actions of her people alone. It was also affected by the actions of the great powers and their postwar relations.

Kosice government program (1945)

The Kosice government program was another very important factor in the Czechoslovak history. The Conference took place in Kosice, Slovakia, “recently liberated by the Red Army”. The document stipulated the principles of future policy and was known as the “program of national and democratic revolution”.

In the final stage of the World War II held discussion between present Czechoslovak President Edvard Benes and the Moscow Communist Party leader Klement Gottwald, the result was an agreement to create a local government National Front of Czechs and Slovaks. In the economic part of the government’s program were several major tasks; quickly restore the national economy devastated from the war. Request nationalized government program was not explicitly stated, but generally estimated. Its scope should be decided only after the liberation of the entire country. It was a requirement so popular that almost the whole population was for and nobody against. All certain categories of business were nationalized, which later on helped Bolsheviks to take over finally in 1948. Czechoslovak foreign policy was to be based on the closest alliance with the Soviet Union on the basis of the 1943 treaty and on cooperation in the military, political, economic, and cultural fields.

The property of those who had “actively helped in the disruption and occupation of Czechoslovakia” was to be placed under national control and later on controlled by the legislative authorities. Their land would be placed in a National Land Fund and distributed to “deserving” Czechs and Slovaks. Nationalization helped to the economy in a short-term solution, but after elections in 1946 when Communist had control over key ministries, the long-term consequences were crucial. Benes’s options were very limited but he had a very effective speech.
In conclusion, stressed that the new state is not a mere copy of the first republic, but in many ways the revolution by developing a real government. "It is also applicable to my wishes. I believe that after this war we have all the prerequisites to achieve this new “peoples” government. It is up to you - to you all”. According to the research question The Kosice government program was essential for the Communist takeover in 1948 because it decided about Czechoslovak nationalization and also closer friendship between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union.

Dictionary
Marshall Plan (1947-51)

The reconstruction plan created by United States was made on purpose to recreate and make Europe prosperous again. “Officially known as the European Recovery Program (ERP), the Marshall Plan was intended to rebuild the economies and spirits of Western Europe”. Europe was devastated after World War II. Millions of people had been killed or wounded. Industrial and residential centers in England, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Belgium were in ruins. Much of Europe had problems with famine and also “agricultural production had been disrupted by war”. Transportation infrastructure was in a bad shape as well. The only major power in the world that was not significantly influenced or devastated was the United States. Marshall Plan was requested to the Soviet Union as well, but they did not accept this option. Marshall Plan was not that essential as conferences or reconstructions before. Marshall Plan was a reason or proves what happened in the past. The United Kingdom and France received the most aid, over 200 million each. Other countries that received financial aid for reconstruction were Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. “For the most part these countries the Allied relationships formed during World War II”. According to Czechoslovakia and previous conferences, this is exactly what Czechoslovakia did not have. This external factor proved that because of other external factors the Czechoslovak future was crucially affected even that Czechoslovak representatives did not have any influence. The Marshall Plan seemed as a hope for Czechoslovak citizens, it seemed that Czechoslovakia would be liberated by the United States, which would be a relief from the Russians and potential Communism coup for over 40 years.

Stalin opened the negotiations with a stinging attack. Addressing the entire delegation, he characterized the Marshall Plan as an attempt “at isolating the Soviet Union” and Czechoslovak participation as a breach in the front of Slavic states, an act aimed against the Soviet Union. From a little psychological look what this explanation suggests is that hypocrisy has become a trait of the Czech character because Czechs’ historical experience has taught them that it is the best way of surviving under foreign domination. Thus, for example, the collaboration of a considerable number of Czechs with the communist system has not shattered the democratic tradition of the Czech nation. All this seems to suggest that a nation can be a nation only when it has traditions. Therefore, because of the previous conferences where the great powers basically decided about Czechoslovak future, it was hardly possible to achieve different results. Americans helped with liberation of Pilsen (their arrival here, among other things meant the end of the efforts of the local communist usurpation of power) in the next two days cleared Wehrmacht most of western and southwestern Bohemia. Their next trip to Prague stopped the same day near to Rokycany, about 60 kilometers from the main city of Czechoslovakia Prague.. “Though the Marshall Plan succeeded in helping to restore some economies, it could not stem the takeover of communism in certain countries”.
Occupation or more clearly said liberation by the United States could change Czechoslovak history very significantly, but the United States interest could not be full field because of the previous agreements where was evidently said who or who will be not supported by the United States in the future. According to the research question the Marshall Plan was an important act because it resulted from the previous conferences. Therefore, it aided to the Communist takeover in 1948.

Conclusion:

Czechoslovakia was affected by mentioned external factors but in order of answering the research question “Which of the external factors was most important in the Communist take over of Czechoslovakia in 1948?” was the Munich Agreement in 1938. Short-term consequences of the agreement were not that essential but in a long-term it traumatized the Czech nation that the majority regarded socialism as a guarantee of the state’s existence. The reputation of the West in Czechoslovak people’s eyes was ruined considered as not reliable, but it also influenced President Benes political thoughts, according to Kosice government plan. The Munich Agreement did not have to be the most serious one, but it was an essential spark for the future. The fear of a second Munich Pact or other agreements caused the Czechoslovak government to strengthen its relations with Soviet Russia. As the relationship between Soviet Russia and the Czechoslovak government began to strengthen the Communist Party had a larger influence of the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia. Some of the Communist beliefs did not support Czechoslovakia's vision of democracy. The Combination of all of these factors caused significant influence that the USSR had over Czechoslovakia resulted in the successful Communist takeover in 1948.

Bibliography:

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