Czech-German relations and the politics of Central Europe : from Bohemia to the EU

In the aftermath of World War II, approximately three million Sudeten Germans were expelled from their homes in the former Czechoslovakia because of their part in the dismemberment of the Czechoslovak Republic by Nazi Germany in 1938-39.

For many years their representatives, the Sudeten German Association, attempted in vain to redress the wrong done to their people.

However, the end of the Cold War has given a new impetus to their campaign.

Currently they attempt to block Czech entry into the EU unless there is restitution of confiscated properties.

Jurgen Tampke tells the story of the Sudeten Germans from the beginning of their 14th century settlement in what is now the Czech Republic to the 21st century.