Czech nationalism is a form ofnationalism which asserts thatCzechs are anation and promotes thecultural unity of Czechs. Modern Czech nationalism arose in the 19th century in the form of theCzech National Revival. In 1848, Czech nationalism became an important political factor in theAustrian Empire due to the activities of theOld Czech Party, led byFrantišek Palacký. DuringWorld War I, Czech nationalist politicians, such asKarel Kramář in theCzech lands andTomáš Garrigue Masaryk abroad, endorsed the idea of independence fromAustro-Hungarian rule.[1]
After 1918 and the creation ofCzechoslovakia, the absolute majority of Czech politicians and society adoptedCzechoslovakism, that is, the notion of a unified state includingSlovakia.[2]
The transformation of Czechoslovakia into a liberalmarket economy during the years 1990-1992 saw disputes between Czechs and Slovaks about the character of theCzechoslovak federation. Separatist forces were strengthened bySlovak nationalist aspirations as well as by Czecheconomic nationalism, the latter based on the perception that theCzech lands were subsidizing less-developed Slovakia. Czechoslovakia was divided into theCzech Republic and Slovakia, with the Czech Republic becoming independent on 1 January 1993.[3]