POVOJNOVÁ MIGRÁCIA NA SLOVENSKU: PERSPEKTÍVA OSÍDLENCOV A ICH DETÍ V HANDLOVEJ

The Czechoslovak state authorities used forced as well as voluntary migration as a tool to achieve a nationally homogenous Czech and Slovak society. In comparison to previous research focusing on the consequences of post-WWII migration in the Czech lands and southern Slovakia, the current study explores social aspects of migration processes based on the example of Handlová – a mining town located in central Slovakia. Originally a predominantly German town, it experienced a significant population exchange at the end of WWII and during its aftermath, so that it became a town of settlers. With the help of archival research and oral history interviews the study examines post-WWII migration through the perspective of settlers and their children, commonly under-represented in existing studies. Even though they were considered to be Slovaks, they came to Handlová from various countries and therefore also from various cultural backgrounds. Together with the remnants of the original population they created a rather heterogenous society consisting of smaller communities based on their country of origin. This heterogeneity was reflected in the everyday life of settlers in Handlová and led to social tensions and conflicts. These were additionally intensified through the policy of the state authorities, which provided varying material support to people of different origin.