Each day, I learn how little I know about what happened in the past several hundred years in this part of the world. And I don't think I'm alone in that ignorance. Sure, I can name the countries and probably their capitals. I know the major events for the continent we call Europe (wars, national leadership, olympics, etc.). And up to recently, I thought I could have located western, central, and eastern Europe.
But over the last few days, with a deeper look at Germany and the Czech Republic, I'm finding how little I have been paying attention to the dynamic between the two, and how much the drama has played out the essential issues of our day. This area has played an important part in shaping religion, government, business, and personal rights. With every new family empire, subjugated townspeople and peasants responded with a continual pursuit for freedom and personal justice.
Strolling through town, it is impossible not to be amazed at the expressions these issues have left. Architectural designs, city content, food, languages, dress, all blending the different eras and historical powers that dominated Bohemia.
And the more recent antagonism which pitted Germans against Czechs, and that resulted in sixty years of tension, could not be clearer to anyone who visits the sites of Prague. Late as it is, understanding that history is essential in light of current worldwide events.
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