An aristocrat, diplomat and poet in the service of the republic : The story of Count František Bořek-Dohalský from Dohalice (1887-1951)
Abstract
This study looks at the life of Count František Bořek-Dohalský from Dohalice, a member of the aristocratic family, who deviates considerably from commonly held notions about the nobility in modern Czech history as well as from the ranks of the aristocracy itself. Despite the abolition of privileges and the noble status in 1918, the Dohalský family positively accepted the establishment of an independent Czechoslovak state in the autumn of 1918.
They identified with its ideals and became part of the governing civilian elite. František entered the service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and worked as a diplomat at the embassies in London and Vienna.
In September 1939, he signed the so-called "National Declaration of the Czech Nobility" in which he aligned himself with opposition to the occupying power and declared full allegiance to Czech customs and aspirations along with approximately 80 other aristocrats. He joined the anti-Nazi resistance, was imprisoned for his democratic convictions and spent three years at Dachau concentration camp.