Směr Praha (Direction Prague)

This map, titled "Směr Praha" (Direction Prague), visually chronicles the liberation of Czechoslovakia during the Second World War. Published in the 1974 in socialist Czechoslovakia, the map is a striking example of cartographic artistry infused with political messaging. The map documents the movements of Soviet and allied forces as they liberated Czechoslovakia from Nazi control in 1945. Surrounded by heraldic symbols and vignettes of military equipment, memorials, and patriotic imagery, the map offers more than a historical account; it serves as a propagandistic artifact reflecting the political climate of its time.

The 1970s were a critical period for Czechoslovakia, as the country was firmly entrenched within the Soviet sphere of influence during the early Cold War. The communist government sought to reinforce its legitimacy by emphasizing the pivotal role of the Red Army in the nation's liberation. This map, therefore, prominently highlights the Soviet contribution, with red arrows and shaded areas symbolizing Soviet advances. The title, "Direction Prague," underscores the centrality of the capital city, which represented both a symbolic and strategic objective for the liberating forces.

The visual design of the map reflects the priorities of socialist realism, the dominant artistic and cultural ideology in the Eastern Bloc at the time. The border is adorned with illustrations of tanks, planes, and other military hardware, emphasizing the industrial and technological prowess of the Red Army. Vignettes of memorials and monuments honor Soviet soldiers, while the use of heraldic symbols connects the narrative to Czech and Slovak national traditions. This blend of historical continuity with Soviet glorification was a hallmark of communist propaganda, aiming to align national identity with the socialist vision.

While the map provides a factual basis for understanding the liberation of Czechoslovakia, it is not a neutral historical document. The contributions of other allied forces, such as the American army, are downplayed or omitted entirely. For example, the U.S. Army played a significant role in liberating western parts of Czechoslovakia, including the city of Plzeň, yet such details are either minimized or ignored. This selective representation aligns with the broader political narrative of the time, which sought to portray the Soviet Union as the sole liberator and protector of Czechoslovakia.

Moreover, the inclusion of a smaller map showing Europe with red lines illustrating the broader Soviet advance serves to contextualize Czechoslovakia's liberation as part of a grander Soviet effort to defeat fascism. This framing not only reinforces Soviet dominance but also implies a sense of indebtedness that the Czechoslovak people were expected to feel toward their "liberators."

The text at the bottom part of the map is a commemorative and propagandistic account of Czechoslovakia's liberation during World War II, heavily emphasizing the Soviet Union's role as the primary savior. It highlights key Soviet military victories, such as Stalingrad and Kursk, as pivotal moments that led to the defeat of fascism and Czechoslovakia's freedom. The narrative downplays the contributions of Western Allies, framing them as less significant and even critical of actions like Allied bombings, contrasting them with Soviet efforts to preserve Czech industry.

The text also glorifies the Communist Party's role in resistance and aligns national liberation with the Soviet Union, underscoring treaties and military cooperation as foundations for postwar security. This framing serves as Cold War-era socialist propaganda, selectively presenting history to legitimize the communist regime and its alliance with the USSR, fostering gratitude and alignment with the Eastern Bloc. While informative, it is ideologically biased and must be read critically.