Otázka slezské samosprávy a budování „lidové demokracie“ v Československu po roce 1945

The period of the so-called Third Republic is one of the contradictory assessed periods of the Czechoslovak history. Its political and economic system was characterized by discontinuity in comparison with the pre-Munich era. The rise of Communist Party and new administrative arrangements belong to the typical features of post-war transformation. The aim of paper is show how the changes of political and administrative system influenced the situation in Silesia. At May 1945 the governement established the Ostravian Branch of Moravia-Silesian Lands Committee, which should administrated districts Bílovec, Bruntál, Fryštát, Frývaldov, Hlučín, Nový Jičín, Krnov, Místek, Opava-venkov, Český Těšín a and statutory cities Moravská Ostrava and Opava. The government explained its decission by the emergency situation in Ostrava region and Silesia. Its establishment was considered as provisory solution, which should became first step to potential resumption of Silesian administrative autonomy. The analysis of discussions about Silesian self-governance shows the influence of various interests on establishment new system.