Czechoslovak Republic - the first modern joint state of Czechs, Moravians and Silesians and Slovaks was announced October 28, 1918 in the Municipal House in Prague. Attached was also Ruthenia, which is now part of Ukraine.

The efforts of indigenous representatives of Czech and Slovak political currents, striving for independence from Austria-Hungary, interrupted by the First World War. The main pressure on the joint creation of an independent state and came from the United States, where working actively expatriate and national associations in exile.

Document which first declared the joint efforts of Czechs and Slovaks of their own national self-determination and heralded the formation of Czechoslovakia, was Cleveland agreement. The leaders of both nations have signed October 22, 1915 at a conference in the American city of Cleveland (Ohio). At Cleveland agreement then followed Pittsburgh Agreement: Pittsburgh, the USA it signed by representatives of the Slovak League of America, the Czech National Association and the Association of Czech Catholics with Tomas G. Masaryk on 31 May 1918.

Point of federal arrangement of the new state was launched this time: Slovakia should become part of the only autonomous republic. Slovaks, however, was guaranteed by their own government and Slovak as official and the language of instruction.

The imminent disintegration of the multinational Habsburg monarchy documented the state of its army. The increasing reluctance of soldiers to fight for the Emperor manifested by numerous desertions. The Czech, Moravian and Slovak deserters and prisoners then in Russia, France and Italy formed the military legions. They enjoy an combat deployment and contributed to the defeat of Austria-Hungary and Germany. Activities of Czechoslovak legions were testament to the desire of Czechs and Slovaks for an independent state and contributed to its provisions.

The proclamation of the independent Czechoslovak Republic October 28, 1918 in the Municipal House in Prague. There was held the first meeting of the new government. Two days later released a newly established Slovak National Council called. Martin Declaration, endorsed by the merger of the two countries into a common state. The head of state was elected on November 14 Tom� Garrigue Masaryk, who was in the country at the forefront of Legionnaires triumphantly returned on December 20, 1918.

The main founder of Czechoslovakia in addition Masaryk, who earned the nickname Liberator considered Edward Bene� and Milan Rastislav Stefanik. Their common idea was �echoslovakismus, according to which the Czechs and Slovaks as there are two branches of one Czechoslovak nation.

Announcement of the State was not without complications, and there was also armed clashes. Legionaries after returning to his homeland successfully intervened in the conflict with Polish troops in the dispute over T��nsko and has taken part in the fighting against the Bolshevik Hungarian Army.