Tomáš Masaryk: The Father of Czechoslovakia

If George Washington and Plato had a baby, and that baby grew up to found a central European country, you'd have today's protagonist: Tomáš Masaryk, the father of Czechoslovakia.
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Source/Further reading:
Talks with TG Masaryk, Karel Capek: www.amazon.com/Talks-T-Masary...
Britannica: www.britannica.com/biography/...
Biography from the Czech President’s Office: www.hrad.cz/en/president-of-t...
Encyclopedia of World Biography: biography.yourdictionary.com/...
Radio Prague: english.radio.cz/tomas-garrig...
Biography during WWI: encyclopedia.1914-1918-online...
Biography of Charlotte: translate.google.com/translat...
Britannica, Czechoslovak history: www.britannica.com/topic/Czec...
Masaryk and feminism: www.radio.cz/special-podcasts...
Some extracts on democracy: english.radio.cz/tomas-garrig...
Prague travel biography, a bit one-sided: www.private-prague-guide.com/...
Geographics on Sudetenland: • The Sudetenland: The T...
Slav Congress: www.britannica.com/topic/Slav...
Hilsner Affair: yivoencyclopedia.org/article....
Ten year speech: photos.state.gov/libraries/cz...
Masaryk’s treatment of anti-Semitism: www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/...

[@fundykid]

Here is my favourite Masaryk quote: "Democracy is not only a state form, it is not something what is written in constitutions; democracy is a view of life, it consists in belief in human beings, in humanity, and there is no trust without love, there is no love without trust. I have already said before that democracy is a discussion. But the real discussion is possible only if people trust each other and if they are trying fairly to find the truth."

[@tho.m2421]

Great timing! (For those who don't know, today it's anniversary of the establishment of Czechoslovakia)

[@rasto4816]

Nemyslím si že to je náhoda 😅 (i don't think this is a coincidence 😅)

[@danorott]

@@rasto4816 Pokud si správně pamatuji tak žije v Praze, takže o tom určitě ví.

[@chocolatetye797]

Thank you, for that info... 👍

[@ladymopar2024]

I know I was just thinking the same thing

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

Yep. Simon is aware because he lives there. Good timing!

[@truebluemiata]

I'm 63, my ancestors were from Bohemia, and I grew up hearing my parents talk about it yet until now I'd not heard the full story of my country land. Thanks!

[@Bozar069]

I would give anything to have been old enough to talk to my great grandfather about these things before he passed. I didnt really get what he meant about there being no country when he left europe.

[@barrydysert2974]

💜Like you Simon fills in the banks in my mind. When those connections are made the lights come on and I am filled with JOY. I sense this in your comment. May JOY be yours!:-)💜💜💜

[@StanislavChyzhman]

Tom, great to hear that. Make a trip to the Czech Republic and let's discuss these interesting topics. Greetings from Czechia!

[@BadBoy93143]

Fun fact: Mexico City's most expensive avenue is named after him, Avenida Presidente Masaryk known locally only as Masaryk is like the equivalent of LA's Rodeo Drive or New York's 5th Avenue. Full of exclusive shops and the most expensive restaurants in the city and at the heart of Polanco neighbourhood Mexico City's richest neighbourhood.

[@StanislavChyzhman]

Wow, as a Czech I've never heard of that. That's so cool!

[@BadBoy93143]

@@StanislavChyzhman also in the avenue is a statue donated by the Czech government of him which was in the Prague Castle. It was named after him because in the neighbourhood that the avenue is located (Polanco) is the home of Mexico City's Jewish community and they told the president at the time (Lázaro Cardenas) to name the street after him as a hommage for Masaryk helping the Jews alot in times of the Nazis.

[@eliskagray1546]

Thank you for a great piece of on my country. Greatest Czech president ever. 🇨🇿

[@kaplanik]

Our president 🙂

[@slavwithanak6195]

Náš President

[@nightrunner3701]

Are the czechs still czech? Or like the rest of western civ, going extinct?

[@czechoslovakpatriot4773]

Czechoslovak* 🇨🇿

[@LegionnaireScout]

Czechoslovak president*

[@ethanramos4441]

“As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being” Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk

[@hanka8790]

"Masaryk worked his prdel off"? I just couldn't believe you said that... :D Still laughting. Thanks, Simon, you made my day.

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

What does that mean? Worked his arse off?

[@hanka8790]

@@The_Republic_of_Ireland Yes, prdel means arse.

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

@@hanka8790 lol

[@dusanbota]

prdeti means fart in serbian

[@InvictEUs]

Haha same, I was like, Did I hear that correctly :D

[@grandthanatos]

"The glory of a nation cannot be built on counterfeits." That line is more relevant now than it was then.

[@aaropajari7058]

I think 'should not' is more accurate...I wish 'cannot' was true.

[@MagnusVenter369]

Turkey and Hungary will not agree.

[@artanox8676]

Hello from Czech republic and thanks for great video. BTW great timing on anniversary of establishment of the Czechoslovakia.

[@marekbalaz6933]

Hej, Masaryk and Beneš weren't the only ones ho we have to thenk. You forgot on Milan R. Štefánik. He got them to Frances upper circles of society. It was this trio that turnd Czechoslovakia into reality, whit the legions.

[@marekbalaz6933]

@@mangonel No Masarik was a real czechoslovak, Beneš a Czech and Štefánik was the only Slovak out of the trio.

[@andrewpopcicle]

I know it was almost 2 years ago that you posted this video, but thank you! Tomas Masaryk is undoubtedly my favorite figure of the 20th century. His views were revolutionary, and founded the nation of my family. He, and his son were both incredibly interesting and important figures in history, who often get forgotten due to the cataclysmic events that surrounded their time in history. Thank you again!

[@Adikova97]

Very heartwarming to see that someone out there cares about this tiny country's history. Very nice touch to post it on the 28th too! Thank you ❤️

[@cobracollie3639]

Where men cried: breakup of Yugoslavia Also where men cried: breakup of Czechoslovakia

[@claireflower6575]

Wow, wow, thank you, today is anniversary of Czechoslovakia! You are smart! I know you love my country in this channel. Thank you🙏🏻👍🏻😘🍀Klara

[@claireflower6575]

@@mangonel am not sure if Slovaks celebrate this. They prefer celebrating their independency from Czech 1993.

[@AB8511]

@@claireflower6575 28th October - Day of formation of independent Czechslovakian state is so called memorial day in Slovakia. It means that state recognizes it as a historically important date, but it is not public holiday (on this day is a normal working day). But occasionaly there is a public debate in Slovakia, if 28th October should be a public holiday. Independency from Czech (btw it is loaded term, implies as if Slovakia was some Czech colony, which it definitely was not) happened on 1st January so we celebrate it is same as a rest of mankind using western calendar.

[@azuregriffin1116]

@@AB8511 what would you describe it as? Separation?

[@AB8511]

@@azuregriffin1116 Yes, I would use terms like separation or division. English is not my 1st language, so I can be wrong, but in my understanging of word independecy it tacitly implies, that the position of parties before independence was not equal. That was not the case of Czechoslovakia. it is true that Czechs were more numerous, richer and their part of country was generally more developed, but Slovaks never felt in Czechoslovakia as a minority.

[@azuregriffin1116]

@@AB8511 your English is fine. As someone who aspires to be able to communicate in at least three languages, I'll easily say that I'd be more than happy to have your level of skill. Anyway, thanks for the clarification! I'd love to visit both, but I don't see much of a chance. Maybe if I get into the career I want. Any suggestions for places to see?

[@Sokol17029]

I am so glad that you did video about Masaryk. Thank you very much Simon. :)

[@Litoff90]

HA!! There's an avenue here in Mexico City called "President Masaryk Ave.", located in the most exclusive part of the city, filled with expensive restaurants, clubs, coffee shops and boutiques. It got it's name in 1936 obviously in honor of this nice bloke and a statue was inagurated by former mexican president Lázaro Cárdenas that same year.

[@Zpicismrad]

4:22 "Masaryk worked his prdel off.." Prdel means ass in Czech and Slovak both. Well played Simon

[@MC9212]

Didn't see this one coming. A bit disappointed about not even mentioning Milan Rastislav Stefanik who worked his riť off together with Masaryk for the foundation of Czechoslovakia. That would take at least a whole episode on Biographics though ( I think you know what I mean). Anyway, happy birthday Czechoslovakia, you are missed!

[@kelerews]

"bombing Prague to bits" was a trend that century.... like blowing up Beirut

[@jessicaybarra535]

How interesting! I was always told from my great grandpa (born in 1928) about his parents who came from Czechoslovakia (one passed away the year I was born, one two years later) in 1926. I always assumed when they came to Ellis Island from Czechoslovakia that it had been a country much longer than it had been. Thank you for the lovely video!

[@Mirinovic]

Becaouse oure statehood are not limited to fundation of Czechosloovakia in 1918 but Kingdome of Bohemia was rightfully consider as par and beging of Czech statehood you know ! Thinks turn up in favor of Austiren after battel of White Moutein in 1620 and subsequent execution of Czech nobility, Forced recatholisation and so on

[@baz6128]

"... sexy icing on the cake of love..." didn't think I'd hear that phrase when I woke up this morning....

[@AndrewMitchell123]

neither did I lol

[@stevenwebb3634]

It should be used more often

[@Kroke_Monster]

When you say Czech Republic instead of Czechia I felt happiness inside.

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

Well, he lives there.

[@Kroke_Monster]

Clearly, since he is a man of culture and knows that Czechia isn’t a term that’s caught on in Czech Republic even if it has strong merit for its use.

[@Adikova97]

@@GeorgiaOverdrive Does he really?

[@AndrewMitchell123]

jo no já taky :D

[@ChineseKiwi]

@@Adikova97 Yes. He has a Czech partner and a kid.

[@Ironclad404]

Thank you, Simon. You are awesome. And you guys behind the camera; you, too. I am in Prague. It's 28th October. Pandemic. This is a treat.

[@sandybarnes887]

Happy anniversary

[@mgithaiga1]

Happy Independence Day Czech Republic!

[@alexanderzahf9350]

These historical figures offer great lessons to us in the present. As a Filipino I would love to see a video about our own heroes. Like the General who faced America in the Filipino-American war, Antonio Luna.

[@martinb.6808]

Thank you, Simon, sending greetings from Prague and BIG thumbs up for such a nice and superbly timed video about TGM. You are doing great job (not just on this channel) 👍🇨🇿

[@DutchDixon94]

Really enjoyed this video. Great work Simon!

[@milosjanos5058]

During the video I realized that today is 28.10. Czechoslovakia was founded 102 years ago. By the way, I hope there will be video about Milan Rastislav Stefanik.

[@AB8511]

Certainly there should be. Guy was a totall badass - second only to Adrian Carton de Wiart, but they already did his bio.

[@strawberryavalanche7501]

i was thinking the same thing!

[@thegingergyrl455]

Simon lives in Prague. Just a note. This was a great video. Not enough is discussed about this period and place in history.

[@Turagrong]

Yeah, and Bald and Bankrupt too :-)

[@danielprokes1823]

Thank you for such an amazing video. Props to Simon for his pronounciation of czech names and surnames. We all know that czech language and pronounciation is not an easy one. If you could one day, make a video about our perhaps most famous president of modern era - Václav Havel - it would be great. Keep up the good work and wish you all best 🙂

[@Screddy_Henks]

I really enjoyed this episode. Thank you and your team for all of the work that you do.

[@rukeyazu8669]

Does Simon have a video about the Czechoslovak legion? I can’t seem to find one, but with all the videos he has I could easily be missing it...

[@redwoodpartisan2433]

Unfortunately no, not yet, but try looking up Kings and Generals, they did a wonderful video on it imo

[@gostavoadolfos2023]

Kings and generals channel has a brilliant video about it.

[@Unknowngfyjoh]

The Great War channel does.

[@--enyo--]

Thanks, this was really interesting. The video on the Sudetenland was one of my favourites on Geographics as well.

[@jefferyball7672]

I have lived in hyde park chicago 30 plus years . On the midway a statute and monument. Dedicated to him. Great man musician statesman patriot. Mankind needs more of people like him

[@Sillyboi05]

Great video, could you do one on Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim who is the most important figure in Finnish history?

[@Raevnard]

I absolutely second this!

[@brrrrrtenjoyer]

Indeed he is quite interesting

[@N_0968]

Yes, please!

[@aaropajari7058]

Absotiveliwibbly. And then one about me...his greatest soldier.

[@kellyrobinson6663]

Another brilliant video, thank you so much.

[@Mrgunsngear]

great info

[@kaplanik]

Amazing video. Thank you 👏👏👏

[@lilianalukacova1586]

I love your videos so much and seeing you made this video made me so happy!!❤️ I’m slovak and Masaryk is one of my favourite historical figures of your history.

[@beyondblur246]

If you are a Slovak, that means he is a part of your history as well.

[@rasulpourjafar2080]

Love your work dude keep it up 👍

[@sohailmashayekhi3434]

Great as always Simon.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I think France-Albert René would be an interesting one to talk about, he's hardly ever mentioned. He transformed the Seychelles

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

Bought a portrait of Masaryk on the street i Prague, february 1990. A simple photo on really crappy newsprint. With the Občanské (Civic) fórum logo. Framed the picture. It has been on my wall for 30 years now, together with the founder of Norwegian liberal parliamentarism. Of course, Masaryk made mistakes, but he will forever be a hero for any liberal or progressive democrat i Europe.

[@TheLilaSky]

Great timing :) 😃

[@bearguy7429]

All I have in my head is Simon saying "sexy icing on the cake"

[@littlephoot6931]

"the sexy icing on the cake of love" Outstanding, sir

[@blucz883]

How long I waited for this moment....

[@Artur_M.]

Realy great episode! Keeping in that part of Europe and period, I hope that one day you will make one about Józef Piłsudski and maybe another about Ignacy Paderewski.

[@Joe-js7nr]

I love that you are adding more jokes to these biographic

[@MoxleyFight]

This almost certainly was the time my grandparents were born (1921 & 1923, respectively), So i feel a familial pride in this video. Thank you, Simon.

[@williamalbrecht8551]

About the time my great grandparents immigrated to the U.S. too.

[@MoxleyFight]

@@williamalbrecht8551 I think mine immigrated to Australia just before ww2. Pop was a boxer on the boat over.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:20 - Chapter 1 - Humble beginnings 5:05 - Chapter 2 - The times are a changin' 8:35 - Chapter 3 - Politics & war 11:55 - Chapter 4 - The president returns 15:45 - Chapter 5 - The 1st republic 19:15 - Chapter 6 - Collapse

[@petercroves8562]

Great one Dude

[@PradeepRwt]

Great information 😍

[@musiclover01ization]

Great video.

[@donaldkelly3983]

Thanks for this video. Masaryk was just a name I saw in history books. Now I know he was a human and a good one for a change.

[@PiskanCitatus]

Gustavus Adolphus: The Grandfather of Modern Warfare

[@adelakroupova4295]

Thank you for making a video about one of the most important people in our history ^^

[@cassandraralph5906]

Most interesting and educational video! I learned something new today again! Thank you!

[@mammuchan8923]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Superb video Simon, there was an extra spark in the storytelling today (the fact the storyteller lives in the country?)

[@brandtongraffin6052]

All I want is you to randomly proclaim “ITS YA BOI WITH THE BLAZE.”

[@AndrewMitchell123]

yeah me 2 xD

[@canaan5337]

Right host wrong Channel. Allegedly.

[@D2theFG]

oh look at you Simon specifically posting this on the 28th of October.... ;-)

[@ferrariasparta]

Great video. Please do Vaclav Havel next

[@ThatDutchGuy97]

Nicely done Simon it's the 28 of October :D

[@TheEvilCommenter]

Good video 👍

[@leighcollett66]

he has big daddy energy thats for sure! happy anniversary to you My Czechoslovakian Father Hero rest in peace

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

Simon have the Biographics team done a video on Dr. Milada Horáková or Václav Havel? Both interesting figures of Czech(oslovakian) history. What about the Velvet Revolution of 1989?

[@lukas54cz71]

Moc děkujem.

[@jimmyavpi]

You the man Simon. Can't get enough of you. (In a non-sexual way). Biographics is the best channel on KZbin bar none. What are the chances of more Biographics in a week? I've watched them all and really need more..

[@DFSJR1203]

This was a very interesting video. I had no idea how that country was created .

[@rennastallings9672]

Prague is a wonderful city. I enjoyed my time there enormously. I did not know anything about the bohemian empire before I went. I would recommend a program o. Bohemia on one of your many channels

[@larryflynn9359]

Simion i love love love your channels. Heres one for you. Sam Wilson from my home town of Troy, New York. Hes better know as Uncle Sam .......or one about Danny ! Keep up the good work

[@jasonwitt3423]

See you don't know anything. As an American we don't go back 17 times for bacon! We take the whole pound of bacon at once!!! just kidding I absolutely love you and love all your channels thank you for doing what you do brother.

[@linusbroadbent2763]

Hi Simon and co. Can you make a video covering the Troubles in Northern Ireland? Might be an epic like... but a very interesting story and period nonetheless :) Thanks again for the great content! Lived in the Czech Republic for a year and still didn’t the story of the castle video you made and this character. P.S. I’m being greedy, but on Cesky topics, can you cover Terezin? :) Thanks 😊

[@lvofficial5571]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@jakubegermajer9841]

Great video. Just a small correction: Masaryk had several strokes, but it was the 1934 one which left him partly paralyzed. Before that he was fairly healthy - riding horse daily, last time at the independence parade 1933. That last horse-riding appearance was meant as a demonstration of strength against Hitler.

[@milanslavkovsky1211]

This is great video, not only because i was born in Czechoslovakia... But something which just tickle my knowledge... Love it.... I got suggestions.... Jozef Gaspar Tiso..... It one of dark part of history in our nation....

[@sandybarnes887]

Happy anniversary

[@epicfailurecz2083]

Simon *releases video on Thomas Masaryk on 28th of October* Me *you cheeky bald masterpiece of a human being, I see what you did there*

[@KW-qd1bi]

This video deserves more views

[@Hamzakhan-dt3gv]

Interesting video

[@Trandul]

Nice, Jan Masaryk would also make for an interesting episode.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you .

[@TheKasimkage]

Hey Biographics team! I was just wondering if you’d look into doing a video on Tipu Sultan (the Tiger of Mysore). I haven’t heard that part of history spoken about much, even though one of my uncles is nicknamed after him. Maybe it could be an interesting video?

[@operator.k]

Who doesn't like some sexy icing? Also wtf KZbin 8 ads on a 23 minute video?

[@KingofAwesomness14]

this man did the work of dreams, congrats to this man, the sheer force of vision, great amazing man.

[@MonochromeWench]

Kind of surprised Simon hasn't made more videos about the country he lives in

[@adamchovanec5010]

Lovely.

[@jcorbo7518]

In the spirit of Czechs can we get an Emil Zatopek episode?

[@andyv16012]

With Thanksgiving coming up maybe a video on one of (or as a group) the Pilgrims or Squanto.

[@badluck5647]

The real history of Thanksgiving is the opposite of the modern spirit of Thanksgiving.

[@mikecrews4050]

Can you please make more videos about artists? I'd love to see one on Mucha, or Leyendecker.

[@bfnfedboy2]

Medgar Evers John Wayne Andy Griffith Don Knotts Thanks for all the info you pump out daily!!

[@bishalshrestha7584]

Nice video Can you plz make a video on Leo messi and Bob Marley?

[@neoasura]

I was a kid in the 80s and I had a best friend that was from Czechoslovakia.

[@freezy898]

Do a video on El Cid

[@ThePie_NedGreen]

Oney plays: “Hey look it’s you Tomar!”

[@OrlandMapper]

Posted on anniversary of independence of Czechoslovakia (28.10. 1918). I wondered when you are going to make video about Masaryk..

[@diandoxlee7346]

: Tomáš Masaryk, a really good looking guy! Beauty and brains, male version.

[@Vsure420]

Finally a perk to being up @ 6 a.m.

[@rafaelseher4995]

Could you please do a video on the life of Mobutu Sese Seko?

[@maattthhhh]

I wonder if you can make a Jose Rizal biographics

[@overwhelmingapathy721]

"The glory of a nation cannot be built on counterfeits" wonderful quote but I live in the US and we are about to have an "election". I say this..We have not yet begun to stupid. Love all your content Simon😁

[@RobotDCLXVI]

Don't short the American people. Even Eric Holder (Obama's AG?) came out and said to vote in person. Most people know what an unmitigated disaster it will be if the confidence of elections is shattered. What we have to watch out for is the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and Google censoring posts like Eric Holder's for some other nefarious end.

[@overwhelmingapathy721]

@@RobotDCLXVI 320 million people and this is the best we can come up with. I have no problem with elections. But to only have the options of drowning or burning to death. Why is it only always 2 people that split our nation. Now the animosity between parties and populace is worse then ever.

[@RobotDCLXVI]

@@overwhelmingapathy721 Well, I think it was Jefferson that warned us against parties. We didn't heed his advice and see where we are. It's why I've always been an independent. P.S. Trump isn't that bad. Stop listening to main stream media (Biden is though you don't know how much if you only listen to MSM).

[@caveman1188]

Agreed I think we need to abolish the two party system that's held our country hostage the last hundred and fifty plus years and definitely need term limits in House and Senate no more people like Nancy Pelosi or Mitch McConnell lifetime politicians getting rich off the working people it's just wrong but inevitable as we got term limits