Německá bezpečnostní opatření v Protektorátu Čechy a Morava na začátku války
German security measures in the Protectorate of Bohemia and moravia related to the outburst of the second world war

Summary/Abstract: The Nazi occupation of the Czech lands and the establishing of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia in March 1939 shocked the Czech society, but soon the shock gave way to the determination to voice its disagreement. The individual manifestations of resistance promptly grew into an organised resistance movement. The building of an underground army, intended to gain control of the Czech lands, disarm occupation troops, seize important buildings, and introduce public order in case of the defeat or collapse of Germany became one of its chief aims. Named Obrana národa (Nation’s Defence), this illegal military organisation was at the helm of the efforts, forming a hierarchically organised structure with command levels and general divisions. On the other side, the German occupation powers took steps to stop this scenario as well as to prevent it if possible. The Protectorate played an important role in Germany’s preparation for the war. It provided a launching pad for its invading forces and served as a transit country for the communication lines leading from Bavaria and Austria to Germany’s new ally – the Slovak Republic. The Czech lands were also of importance due to the local arms industry. The Protectorate arms companies produced many high-quality weapon systems, some of which, such as armoured vehicles, were a highly desirable article for the Wehrmacht.

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