1. CZECH
REPUBLIC AND
SLOVAKIA
Bowling the split
By Morgan Bartlett

2. • The “icon” is the coat of arms of
Slovakia
• The arm’s cross represents
Orthodox Christianity
• The mountains symbolize
the Tatra, Fatra, and Matra
mountain regions across
the country
• They added the heraldic
symbol to avoid confusion
with the Russian flag

3. • Unlike the Slovak flag, the Czech
flag doesn’t have much of a
symbolism
• Mainly, the flag patterns were made
to become easily recognizable-
especially in battle

4. THE VELVET REVOLUTION
 The revolution started on November 17, 1989, with
peaceful protesting against communism.
 This was because of the lack of Russian army support
of communism.
 The protests were successful and negotiations for a
new government occurred.
 Free elections for a democratic government.
 Václav Havek became the president
 The Velvet Revolution ended on December 29th, 1989.

5. THE VELVET DIVORCE
 The separation of Czechoslovakia was called “The
Velvet Divorce”
 This occurred on January 1st, 1993
 Over the course of years between winter 1989 and
winter 1993, Czechoslovakia itself was slowly falling
apart.
 With a new government, how to govern the country,
the discussion of the constitution, and communism
gone, there were many conflicts dividing the Czechs
and Slovaks.
 Many Czechs felt like the Slovaks had more power
than them.

6. THE VELVET DIVORCE (CONT.)
 The Czechs and Slovaks both had different views on
the gorvernment and wanted different things
 The government came down to two decisions; tie the
Czechs and Slovaks closer or split them apart
 More decisions were made and arguments were
discussed
 On December 31st, 1992, Czechoslovakia became
non-existent
 January 1st, 1993, Czech Republic and Slovakia
replaced the once unified nation.

7. CZECH REPUBLIC TODAY
 Libel is still a criminal offense, yet conducts of this illegal action is
rare
 Freedom of the press is “constitutionally guaranteed,” but the
Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms prohibits speech
that might disturb:
a) National security
b) Individual rights
c) Public health
d) Morality
e) Race
f) Ethnicity
g) National origin

8. CZECH REPUBLIC TODAY (CONT.)
 Czech Republic is mostly dealing with the Ukraine crisis
a) Russia said that they will halt gas supplies to Europe in June unless Ukrain
pays back its debt for Russian gas supplies
b) Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka says that Czech Republic is prepared for
the possible halt
c) In reaction to the possible halt, Bohuslav has planned a meeting of the
national security council on May 20th
 The internet continues to develop rapidly
a) 75% of the population are using and enjoying the unrestricted access

9. SLOVAKIA TODAY
 Women have the same legal rights as men, but are still
underrepresented in government and business positions
 After a gay pride parade in June 2012, a member form the
parliament from OlaNO (Slovak: Obcajní L’udia å nezávislé
osobnosti (a.k.a. Ordinary People and Independent Personalities)
called homosexuality “sick.”
a. In result, the parades were banned
b. Because of this, the community wanted a ban on hate
speech
 Religious and academic freedom is respected.
 Freedom of speech and of the press are protected by the
constitution, but the media sometimes face political inference.

10. SLOVAKIA TODAY CONT.
 A new labor code was adopted in August 2013. Its purpose is to
provide additional protections for workers, including guarantees
related to overtime and severance pay.

11. THE FUTURE
 Help neighboring countries
a) Hungary
b) Austria
c) Germany
d) Poland
 Czech Republic and Slovakia plan to protect both countries
a) Improving the road connection
b) Protect the countries’ airspace
c) Cooperate in fighting tax evasion

12. SOURCES
 Works Cited
 "Halt of Russian Gas Supplies Not to Endanger CR Directly -
Zeman." - ČeskéNoviny.cz. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2014.
 "National Flag of Slovakia." Slovakia Flag. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May
2014.
 "National Flag of The Czech Republic." Czech Flag. N.p., n.d. Web.
15 May 2014.
 "Slovakia, CzechRep Plan Joint Air Defence, Better Road
Connection." - ČeskéNoviny.cz. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2014.
 "Slovakia." Freedom House. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2014.
 "The Velvet Divorce in European History." About.com European
History. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2014.
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