October 23, 2026: Antonie Doležalová: The Myths of the First Czechoslovak Republic

On behalf of our partner, Czech Cafe we’d love to invote you to an engaging talk exploring the myths and realities of the First Czechoslovak Republic.

Friday, October 23, 4 – 5:30pm

Harvard University, Boylston Hall

Professor Antonie Doležalová of Charles University in Prague will examine the various myths that have persisted about the First Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1938), including the ideas of a politically and economically stable state and a socially just society.

Drawing on examples from the film industry, monetary land reform, tax policy, and philanthropic institutions such as the Straka Foundation, Professor Doležalová will explore how the newly established state and its civil society navigated significant geopolitical and social challenges.

The talk marks the anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918.

Antonie Doležalová is Professor of Economic History at Charles University in Prague, Senior Member at Robinson College, Cambridge, and a researcher at RILSA in Prague. Her research focuses on economic history, business history, and the history of economic thought in Central and Eastern Europe.