Comprehensive History of Slovakia from Medieval Times to Present Day
This classic book offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date history of Slovakia, from its establishment on the Danubian Plain to the present. While paying tribute to Slovakia's resilience and struggle for survival, it describes contributions to European civilization in the Middle Ages; the development of Slovak consciousness in response to Magyarization; its struggle for autonomy in Czechoslovakia after the Treaty of Versailles; its resistance, as the first Slovak Republic, to a Nazi-controlled Europe; its reaction to Communism; and the path that led to the creation of the second Slovak Republic. Now fully updated to the present day, the book examines the vagaries of Slovak post-Communist politics that led to Slovakia's membership in NATO and the European Union.
Detailed Coverage of Slovak Historical Periods
The second edition traces Slovakia's journey through distinct historical phases. The medieval period highlights Slovak contributions to European civilization on the Danubian Plain. The book examines the development of Slovak national consciousness during the era of Magyarization, providing context for the cultural and political tensions that shaped modern Slovak identity.
The 20th century receives extensive treatment, covering Slovakia's complex relationship with Czechoslovakia following the Treaty of Versailles. The first Slovak Republic's resistance during World War II and the subsequent Communist era are analyzed with scholarly rigor. The updated edition includes comprehensive coverage of post-Communist political developments, NATO accession, and European Union membership.
Authoritative Academic Resource
Written by Stanislav J. Kirschbaum, Professor of International Studies at York University's Glendon College and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, this work represents decades of research and expertise. The author of the Historical Dictionary of Slovakia brings academic authority and detailed knowledge to this comprehensive national history.
The book serves as an essential resource for students, researchers, and anyone seeking to understand Central European history. It provides balanced coverage of Slovakia's struggles for autonomy, cultural preservation, and eventual independence, making it valuable for courses in European history, political science, and international relations.
