Abstract
The paper Czech Texans and the American Civil War recounts the history of the Bohemian and Moravian minority in the wartime United States. It is based on the critical interpretation of memoirs, archive material and secondary literature.
The main goal is to present a complex picture of the Czech Texas community and their reaction to the events of this important struggle. Therefore it covers all strata of their society - intellectuals, soldiers, cotton haulers, farmers, fugitives, women and children.
Another goal was to introduce this topic without the deep-rooted myths that surround it. For a long time Czech and American historians approached this theme in an uncritical way.
Therefore the Czech Texans were portrayed as abolitionist, supporters of the Union and saboteurs of the Confederate cause. Nevertheless their attitude towards American Civil War was far more complicated.