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Delve into the rich history of traditional businesses in the Czech Republic, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to post-1989 developments. Explore key dates like Prague Spring and Velvet Revolution while uncovering three main industry groups: Engineering and Heavy Industry, Specialized Industries, and Consumer Items. Discover renowned companies like Skoda and Tesla, and learn about notable inventions such as soft contact lenses by Prof. Otto Wichterle. Immerse yourself in the world of glassware, lead crystal, porcelain, and iconic brands like Bata. Uncover the brewing traditions and Petrof pianos that add to the cultural fabric of the Czech Republic. Join us on this fascinating journey!
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Getting to know each other About me Richard Selby This is me!
Getting to know each other About me Richard Selby This is me!
Traditional businesses in the Czech Republic …..up to 1989
An appreciation of dates • Pre 1914 • Austro-Hungarian empire; Czechoslovakia created 1918 • 1918-1939 • 1939-1945 • German occupation • 1945-1989 • Communist regime (Influenced by Russia) • “Prague spring” 1968 • “Velvet revolution” November 1989 • Post 1989
Traditional industries • Three groups: • Engineering and “Heavy industry” • Specialised • Consumer items
Traditional industries (1) • Engineering and “Heavy industry” • Engineering • Skoda – cars, trucks and large engines • Tesla – electronic items: radios & TVs etc, Lighting, generators • Mining • “Black” coal • “Soft” coal • Clay • Graphite • Silver Uranium
Traditional industries (1) • Engineering and “Heavy industry” • Engineering • Skoda – cars, trucks and large engines • Tesla – electronic items: radios & TVs etc, Lighting, generators • Mining • “Black” coal • “Soft” coal • Clay • Graphite • Silver Uranium
“Open-cast” coal mining at Doly Bilina
Traditional industries (1) • Engineering and “Heavy industry” • Engineering • Skoda – cars, trucks and large engines • Tesla – electronic items: radios & TVs etc, Lighting, generators • Mining • “Black” coal • “Soft” coal • Clay • Graphite • Silver Uranium
Traditional industries (2) • Specialised • Chemical • Medical • Contact lenses • Films • Musical instruments • Agribusiness • Livestock milk/cheese/meat • Timber • Fruit/vegetables etc, etc, etc………
Prof. Otto Wichterle Inventor of the “soft” contact lens
On this home-built apparatus, Prof. Wichterle produced his first “soft” contact lens in his kitchen in 1961
Traditional industries (3) • Consumer items • Glassware • Lead crystal and cut-glass • Porcelain • Shoes • The “Bata” company
In more detail…. • Skoda • Tesla • Bata Shoe advertising
Traditional industries (3) • Consumer items • Glassware • Lead crystal and cut-glass • Porcelain • Shoes • The “Bata” company • Brewing Beer …….also, wines, spirits and other beverages: fruit drinks and mineral water
Thank you See you next Thursday!