Presents a history of the Czech Republic and its people. Historical points include being part of the Austrian empire in the 1800s, independence in 1918, Nazi occupation in World War II, Communist rule, the Prague Spring, and the Velvet Revolution.

Includes index. Includes chronologies.

The Munich agreement -- Early Czech history -- A nationalist revival -- The Czechs and World War I -- The Czechoslovak Republic -- The Second Republic and Nazi rule -- The Third Republic and communist autocracy -- Reform on the path to the Prague spring -- Restoration of a repressive state -- The Velvet Revolution and its aftermath.