ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of the Czech Republic

Okay kiddo, let me tell you a story about the Czech Republic!

A long long time ago, before your great-great-great grandparent's time, the Czech Republic used to be a part of a bigger group of countries called Czechoslovakia. It was made up of two separate regions - Bohemia and Moravia - that were joined together.

But something happened in the 1990s which changed everything. Czechoslovakia decided to split up into two separate countries - the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This is called the Velvet Divorce because it was all very peaceful and calm.

Now, let's go back in time again to the very beginning of the Czech Republic. The earliest people to live in the area were called the Celts. They used to make their homes in the forests and hills of the land we now know as the Czech Republic.

Later, a group of people called the Slavs moved in and started to make their own homes and villages. They were hunters and farmers and traveled around by boat or on foot.

But things really changed when a prince named Wenceslas became the ruler of the area back in 907. He was a very kind and wise leader, and is now known as a patron saint. After him, there were other kings and queens of the land, but it wasn't always a peaceful time.

Then in the 1300s, a very famous king named Charles IV came to power. He was a very clever man and did lots of things to make his land a better place to live. For example, he built a beautiful bridge called Charles Bridge in Prague, which is still there today!

Fast forward to the 1900s, and there was a period of time when the Czech Republic was under the control of the Nazis during World War II. It was a very difficult time for the people who lived there. But thankfully, the war ended in 1945 and the Czech people were able to regain control of their land.

And that brings us to modern times! Today, the Czech Republic is a very beautiful and interesting country to visit. It's famous for its castles, bridges, and delicious food like goulash and dumplings. They even have a tradition called the Czech Easter whipping, where boys go around and gently whip girls with willow branches to bring them good luck!

So there you have it, my little friend - the story of the Czech Republic!