Eastern Giant Mountains in 1938. A Look into Czech -German Coexistence in Villages in Western Foothills of the Rýchory Ridge
Abstract
Th e most evident phenomenon by which the new Czechoslovak Republic introduced itself into fi ve villages west of the Rýchory ridge - a microregion much less frequented by tourists than the Pec pod Sněžkou area - were Czech -speaking members of the Financial Guard, who replaced the German -speaking ones. Over time, they were looked upon by German inhabitants as a mere local curiosity.
Matters grew worse, however, during the late 1930's construction of light and heavy border fortifi cations, whose technical and security requirements included a steady fl ow of soldiers, workers and heavy machinery into the once sleepy region. Farmland was claimed by the process and confl icting nationalistic sentiments arose regarding the future.
Th e local population both benefi ted and suff ered by the 'Big history' invading their lives, especially by the events following the Anschluss of Austria. Th e confl ict did not reach its peak until as late as the summer of 1938.
Th e study is based upon dozens of regional primary sources of various types and origins.