Political Figure. A World War I Czech national military hero, he became a leader in the Nazi resistance movement that ultimately led to his execution. In 1939 the Germans invaded the central and western parts of Czechoslovakia and declared the region a protectorate of Germany. Shortly after the German invasion a permanent solution was sought for the replacement of the provisional government established to provide a smooth transition to German control. General Eliáš was thought to be the best choice to head the new government because of his popularity among the people. On April 29, 1939 he was appointed Prime Minister of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. While having to "cooperate" with the German occupiers he remained in contact with the exiled Czechoslovak government located in London. He also worked to retard Nazi efforts to expel Jewish citizens, and claim Czech property that would compromise his homeland's national interests. Although forced to "collaborate" with the Nazi occupiers he secretly worked with an underground resistance movement in an attempt to protect the citizens of his country. His anti-Nazi activities soon became known to the enemy and on September 27, 1941 the General was arrested and charged with treason and espionage. On May 27, 1942 he was executed, becoming the only Prime Minister to receive such a fate at the hands of the German Reich. His body was cremated and the ashes remained with family and friends until May 7th 2006 when he was laid to rest with full military honors in his homeland.
Political Figure. A World War I Czech national military hero, he became a leader in the Nazi resistance movement that ultimately led to his execution. In 1939 the Germans invaded the central and western parts of Czechoslovakia and declared the region a protectorate of Germany. Shortly after the German invasion a permanent solution was sought for the replacement of the provisional government established to provide a smooth transition to German control. General Eliáš was thought to be the best choice to head the new government because of his popularity among the people. On April 29, 1939 he was appointed Prime Minister of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. While having to "cooperate" with the German occupiers he remained in contact with the exiled Czechoslovak government located in London. He also worked to retard Nazi efforts to expel Jewish citizens, and claim Czech property that would compromise his homeland's national interests. Although forced to "collaborate" with the Nazi occupiers he secretly worked with an underground resistance movement in an attempt to protect the citizens of his country. His anti-Nazi activities soon became known to the enemy and on September 27, 1941 the General was arrested and charged with treason and espionage. On May 27, 1942 he was executed, becoming the only Prime Minister to receive such a fate at the hands of the German Reich. His body was cremated and the ashes remained with family and friends until May 7th 2006 when he was laid to rest with full military honors in his homeland.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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