In the 1980s, Czechs secretly processed uranium for their arch-enemy. Then it was exposed.
In the 1980s, Czechoslovakia engaged in covert uranium processing for the Soviet Union, which was later revealed.
Back in Czechia. Grey Normalization on Roads and Colorful Memories of the Past
The article reflects on the stark contrasts of traveling in Czechoslovakia during the socialist era, highlighting nostalgia for the past and the changing landscape of Czech roads.
The Book about the Bendas is a Chronicle of Dissent, Imprisonment, and Persecution, but Also of Faith and Hope
A new book explores the significant life of Václav Benda and his family's story of resistance during and after the communist regime in Czechoslovakia.
The story of the first Chinese restaurant in Czechoslovakia: 'I ate too much again,' praised director Forman
This article recounts the history of the first Chinese restaurant in Czechoslovakia, reflecting on the culinary experiences of chef Vladimír Suchý, who learned to cook there after military service.
The unbearable odor influenced diplomacy between Czechoslovakia and Germany for ten years
A persistent issue with unbearable smells significantly impacted diplomatic relations between Czechoslovakia and Germany for around a decade.
Miners Waded Through Sulfuric Acid in the Shafts: How Czechoslovakia Mined Uranium for the Soviet Union
The article discusses the uranium mining operations in Czechoslovakia, particularly around Stráž pod Ralskem, which took place to fulfill Soviet Union's uranium supply agreement during and after World War II.
A part of Putin's speech about helping Czechoslovakia in 1938 is spreading. He shifts blame to Poland
The article discusses a segment of a speech by Putin that inaccurately claims Czechoslovakia received help from the Soviet Union in 1938, while placing blame on Poland for the events leading up to World War II.
Smrkovský speaks, rooms burst at the seams... How people wanted to question the communists and how they soon became frightened
The article discusses the public discourse in Czechoslovakia leading up to the 1968 occupation, highlighting how the Communist Party had to respond to the rising interest from the public in political discussions.
"He Was Not a Bulletin Board Operator." Archives of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Document the Ideological Activity of 'Uncle Richard'
The article discusses the controversial past of billionaire Richard Chlad, revealing his significant involvement in the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and his claims of having joined to undermine it from within.
Darwin would be surprised
The article reflects on the legacy of Jan Vodňanský, a Slovak poet and performer, highlighting his unique humor and his impactful partnership with Petr Skoumal, especially during the normalization period in Czechoslovakia.
"They were beaten indiscriminately." Inhumanity ruled in Brno, often even after the war, the fate of Germans now stirs passions again
The upcoming congress of Sudeten Germans in Brno marks the first such event in Czechia since the end of World War II, rekindling discussions about the expulsion of German residents following the war.
A Head in the Train and Thirteen Years of Lies: The Double Life of the Model Mother Irena Čubírková
Irena Čubírková, a seemingly model mother of seven, led a double life that shocked Czechoslovakia when it was revealed she had concealed her first husband's death for thirteen years.
How Iranians from Czechoslovakia Tried to Remove Shah Pahlavi
The article discusses the efforts of Iranian expatriates living in Czechoslovakia to overthrow Shah Pahlavi.
How uranium was mined for the Soviet Union in Czechoslovakia. 'One would expect everyone to be happy and content here. But were they?'
The article discusses the uranium mining in Czechoslovakia, revealing lesser-known sites and the stark realities of the industry beyond just the infamous Jáchymov.
Review: Sex with Gottwald, cockroach broth. Inmate Milena Jesenská buried under an avalanche of facts and sensations
The article reviews Ana Komárková's work that intertwines historical facts with sensational elements about Milena Jesenská and her experiences related to Klement Gottwald.
Marcela Vuong: Vietnamese Adjust Their Dishes to Your Taste. What I Love, You Wouldn't Order
Marcela Vuong discusses her experiences growing up with a dual identity as the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants in Czechoslovakia, emphasizing how Vietnamese cuisine is tailored to local tastes.
Against Hitler over the radio waves. One of the last living Czechoslovaks in the RAF is 102 years old
The article highlights the story of a 102-year-old veteran who served in the RAF during World War II, recalling his experiences and contributions against Hitler's regime.
Did He Reveal Everything Possible? Egon Bondy as an Agent of the StB
Egon Bondy's testimony against fellow artists during a rigged trial significantly impacted their fates, leading to prison sentences and a strong public outcry against his actions.
At the age of seven, he left Czechoslovakia on Winton's train. He bequeathed 16 million to the local gymnasium in Třeboň.
A man who escaped Czechoslovakia as a child on a train organized by Sir Nicholas Winton has left a significant bequest of 16 million to a gymnasium in Třeboň.
The Landlocked Czechoslovakia Had a Great Naval Fleet, Now the Last Existing Ship's Anchor is Returning
An article reflecting on the historical significance of Czechoslovakia's maritime fleet and the return of the last existing ship's anchor.
Russian Revisionism Again / The Soviet Army in Czechoslovakia in 1968 Restored 'Constitutional Order', Claims Moskovsky Komsomolets
A pro-Kremlin commentary in Moskovsky Komsomolets reflects on Soviet actions in Czechoslovakia during the 1968 invasion, framing them as efforts to uphold constitutional order.
Podcast "Stop History": Escapes of Poles from the 'Communist Paradise'
The article discusses the dangers faced by Poles escaping from communist Poland to Czechoslovakia during the Cold War.
A Review: The Wizard from the Kremlin also reflects on Czechoslovak postsocialist reality
The article reviews a work that ties together themes from the Kremlin's perspective and the post-socialist experience in Czechoslovakia.
Poles Escape from the 'Communist Paradise'
The article examines the dangers faced by Polish citizens who attempted to escape from communist Poland to the West, particularly through Czechoslovakia, highlighting the deadly measures taken to prevent such escapes.
I have a beehive in my head
The article explores personal and historical narratives of people from Czechoslovakia during significant political changes.
Former KSČ Officials Will Continue to Receive Lower Pensions, Confirmed by the Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court of Czechia has reaffirmed that former officials of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ) will remain subject to reduced pensions in a recent ruling.
"We live in communism. Only the stores don't know it yet." In 1960, President Novotný announced that Czechoslovakia had built socialism
The article discusses the announcements and political changes in Czechoslovakia in 1960 under President Antonín Novotný, including the establishment of socialism and the release of political prisoners.
For the Father, Requested a Rope, Yet Could Not Study: The Fates of Families from the Slánský Process
The article discusses the struggles of families affected by the Slánský process in Czechoslovakia, particularly focusing on the emotional and socio-economic impacts.
How Gottwald's Speech and the West's Silence Helped the February Coup
The article examines the historical significance of the February 1948 coup in Czechoslovakia, highlighting the conflicting perspectives and key figures involved, particularly Edvard Beneš and Klement Gottwald.
Censorship and Centralized Publishing of Marx's, Gottwald's, and My Books is Progress, Marie Majerová Said
Marie Majerová reflects on the censorship and centralization of book publishing by the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia as a means to promote its ideology.
The StB Officers Harassed Actor Töpfer. They Now Face Up to Ten Years in Prison
Four former State Security officers have been charged for harassing actor Tomáš Töpfer during the 1970s and 1980s in Czechoslovakia, with potential sentences of one to ten years in prison.
The Regime, Fear, and the World Elite: The Story of Milan Orlowski is Stronger than Big Marty
Milan Orlowski, a former professional table tennis player from Czechoslovakia, shares a compelling story of dedication and sacrifice in contrast to the fictional narrative of the American film 'Big Marty.'
Karel Köcher was a native of Bratislava who infiltrated the CIA for the ŠtB
The article discusses Karel Köcher, a significant figure in Czechoslovak espionage, who infiltrated the CIA for the ŠtB and was involved in a famous spy exchange.
New discovery from the KSČ archive: Soviets brought nuclear warhead missiles to Husák
A newly uncovered document reveals that in 1983, Soviet officials urged Czechoslovak president Gustáv Husák to accept the deployment of nuclear-capable SS-12 missiles on Czechoslovak territory.
Havlová as the Smoking Prime Minister. Welcome to Czechoslovakia
The article mentions an issue regarding a webpage failing to load correctly, attributed to browser extensions or VPN troubles.
The CIA was interested, but he remained loyal to the KGB. A journalist presents the story of agent Köcher
Karel Köcher, the only known spy to penetrate the CIA, faced skepticism upon his return to Czechoslovakia after a prisoner exchange in 1986.
1956 in Soviet Satellites: Poland Revolts, Hungary Fights, Seifert Speaks...
The significant events of 1956 in Soviet satellite states showcased varying reactions from Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia following Khrushchev's critical speech on Stalinism.
An Incomplete Conversation with Otto Šimko: I Have the Fundamentals of Goodness Embedded in Me
The article reflects on the life of Otto Šimko, a Jewish scout and journalist, who, at 101, shared his experiences in a podcast before his passing in February 2023.
Quiz: Can you recognize Czechoslovak and Czech Olympic medalists in the photos?
The article is a quiz challenge on recognizing Olympic medalists from Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic based on photos.
Apparently the first woman in Europe to have a notary office. The fate of Horáková narrowly escaped me.
The article discusses Anděla Kozáková-Jírová as a pioneering female notary in Europe, alongside her classmates who were the first female lawyers in Czechoslovakia, detailing the challenges they faced during and after World War II.
The world functioned differently back then. Minister Zůna was preparing to work in the totalitarian intelligence service
Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna reflects on his past ambitions while applying to join a totalitarian military intelligence service as a young member of the people's army.
“What a Cunning Man, Our Kléma.” How Gottwald and Company Prepared to Seize Power
The article explores the historic events surrounding the February 1948 coup in Czechoslovakia, focusing on key figures like Edvard Beneš and the political maneuvering that led to the Communist takeover.
The Last Message of Jan Masaryk to the People in the Protectorate: Believe in Beneš and in the Alliance with the Soviets
The article focuses on Jan Masaryk's last speech broadcast by the BBC from London on February 21, 1945, highlighting themes of wartime propaganda and post-war optimism.
The communists' relationship with Seifert has always been precarious.
The article discusses the complicated and often adversarial relationship between Czechoslovakia's communist regime and Nobel Prize-winning poet Jaroslav Seifert, highlighting attempts to silence him 75 years ago.
Break Out of the Ghetto: A Giant New Book Takes an Adventurous Journey into the History of Czechoslovak Samizdat
The article discusses the meticulous work involved in completing a significant new book about Czechoslovak samizdat, emphasizing the historical context and the challenges faced during its production.
It Is Time for Charta 26: Slovakia Is Europe
The article reflects on the significance of Charta 77, which was published on January 6, 1977, calling for dialogue and cooperation in upholding human rights in Czechoslovakia.
About the fact that Seifert received the Nobel Prize, Czech newspapers were almost silent in 1984. Why?
The article discusses the lack of coverage by Czech newspapers regarding Jaroslav Seifert's Nobel Prize in 1984 due to the political climate and his unpopularity with the communist regime at the time.
"And then I saw him" – The hunt for the hidden Maurus shrine was a crime story
The article narrates the thrilling story of the hidden Maurus shrine in Czechoslovakia, which had not been seen for a hundred years, involving elements such as communist investigators and European nobility amid the Cold War.
The Unwanted Nobel Laureate Jaroslav Seifert: Why It's Worth Remembering Him?
The article reflects on Jaroslav Seifert's unexpected Nobel Prize victory in 1984 amidst strong competition, highlighting the lack of recognition he received from the Czechoslovak press and his contentious relationship with the normalization regime.
Not just Jawas and ČZs. Motorcycles in Czechoslovakia are a unique chronicle, featuring beauties and cats on the saddle
The book 'Motorcycles in Czechoslovakia' offers a unique look into motorcycle history through hundreds of authentic photographs, showcasing families and their loved ones with their motorcycles instead of technical specifications.