Arvenia wrote:9Fossia wrote:The thing is there was a certain inevitability with the divide, due to the stark contrast in nationality and ethnicity. However, there are certainly ways this could have been curbed and eventually led to a still unified state. For example, Switzerland and Spain are both nations of many ethnicities yet they continue to live on. Its also important to mention that communism wasn't the only thing holding them together, the Czechoslovaks had multiple points to split up during their history. After the signing of the pittsburgh agreement in 1918, it actually seemed like there would be a separate slovak state, however the majority of slovaks and government officials from both nation wished to remain together, thus the creation of the nation. Again after the second world war, the nation had a chance to divide, the slovaks had actually been heavily influenced by ethnic nationalism exported from germany. However even with this the nation remained together. It should also be mentioned that there are several other major ethnicities in Czechoslovakia, namely the Bohemians (German Czechs), and the Slovak Magyars (Hungarian Slovaks). Furthermore, even despite analyses stating that the split was inevitable, there was certainly a lot of bickering between the two nations after the velvet revolution, the Czech and Slovak prime ministers had a very public feud for example. That said here's the scenario I think would realistically see Czechoslovakia stay united:
1989 - Velvet Revolution Occurs (Same as IRL)
Early 1990 - Mikuláš Dzurinda is elected as head of the slovak movement instead of Vladimír Mečiar, Dzurinda is much more centrist and closer to the Czech, he is able to persuade the Czech to continue funneling money into slovakia, provided they post pone talks of a split until 1994.
1990 - With money from Czechia, slovakia is able to develop its infrastructure and create a start up and privatization program with help from west germany, this leads to increased levels of slovak growth closing the once large gap between the czech and slovak economies over the next few years.
1991 - With the unification of Germany and division talks postponed, a movement arises in eastern Czechia among Bohemians to rejoin germany. As protests erupt that summer, the Czech government agrees to a more devolved government in eastern Czechia.
1992 - The Slovak Magyars demand to be released to join hungary, Slovakia seeks help from the Czechs, the Czechs agree and negotiate a similar devolution of powers agreement.
1993 - Growing demands from populations from all regions of the country demand talks to finally create a national unified government. A federal council system is created temporarily with the leaders from Bohemia, Czechia, Slovakia, and Upper Hungary all getting representation. New elections lead to a more centrist government on all sides.
1994 - The federal council convenes in Vienna to discuss the possibility of split. The council creates a referendum, to create a devolved federation somewhat like Spain, or to separate and create 3 new nations. The referendum passes in favor of unification because:
Slovaks - no longer feel neglected by Czech government
Czechs - no longer see the slovaks as an economic burden and understand the ethnic tension due to the Bohemian movement
Bohemians - dont see the europeans as realistically letting them join Germany and dont feel threatened by the other groups in the country
Slovak Magyars - start to see the rapid increase in corruption and authoritarianism in Hungary and no longer wish to join
1995 - On January 1st 1995, the Czechslovak parliament convenes in Prague, the capital of the nation, there are four official languages (German, Czech, Slovak, and Hungarian). Like Belgium the nation is divided into separate Language Communities, whilst there is a national curriculum, the specifics of education are controlled by the language communities. The Nation is divided into four Regions; Bohemia, with its capital in Pilsen; Czechia, with its capital in Prague; Slovakia, with its capital in Braitslava; and Upper Hungary, with its capital in Komarno.
https://64.media.tumblr.com/24dbd85f8ef ... 58548f.jpg
This image is a good example of what the regions would be divided by. Feel free to use as much of this as you want, but its what I would see as most realistic avenue for a continued unification.
I like the timeline, but it could still be subject to change. Anyway, am I allowed to use that timeline (in exchange for credit)?
Ofcourse, no need for credit either, just trying to help.
Although I think i did make a slight mistake, in 1991 I said eastern czechia, when it is in fact western czechia, so my mistake there. Also if you wish to go with the devolved plan Kosice is potentially a better capital for the Upper Hungary Region
