Masaryk and Czech Politics, 1906–1914

Abstract

This chapter emphasises Masaryk’s work as the founder and leader of the Czech People’s, later Progressive, Party; as advocate of a more democratic and ‘progressive’ Czech nationalism, and as a critic of rival Czech political movements and of shortcomings in Czech and Austro-Hungarian society, education, and government. It touches upon Masaryk’s scholarly publications about politics, religion, and history only to the degree necessary to indicate the great extent to which they not only conditioned his politics and expectations of continued ‘national revival’, but were in turn informed by his political activities and concerns. The chapter also briefly discusses Masaryk’s role as a spokesman internationally for the rights of small nations, with a view to understanding how this activity logically and effectively complemented his efforts in Austria-Hungary to ‘democratise’ politics, promote Czech national solidarity and self-help, encourage freedom of conscience and speech, and promote social reform.