The Czechoslovak Legion was formed to fight for the independence of Czechoslovakia from Austria-Hungary. It was brokered by Czech and Slovak independence leaders and initially organized by the Russian military to fight against Austria-Hungary during World War I.
The Czechoslovak Legion became entangled in the Russian Civil War after the Bolshevik Revolution. They aligned with the White Armies, took control of the Trans-Siberian Railroad, and fought against the Bolsheviks. Their involvement was part of the broader Allied anti-Bolshevik schemes during the conflict.
After two years of fighting, the Czechoslovak Legion signed a truce with the Bolsheviks, gaining safe passage to Vladivostok. From there, they were evacuated on Allied ships, marking the end of their long and arduous journey through Siberia.
The Battle of Zborov in July 1917 was a major victory for the Czechoslovak Legion. They captured 3,300 prisoners and 20 artillery guns, suffering only 167 killed and 900 wounded. This victory boosted their international reputation and helped future Czechoslovak president Thomas Masaryk negotiate for an independent state.
The Czechoslovak Legion refused to disarm because they distrusted the Bolsheviks, fearing they would be handed over to the Central Powers. They also needed their weapons to defend themselves during their evacuation, as they were spread out along the Trans-Siberian Railway and vulnerable to attacks.
After returning to Czechoslovakia, many Legion soldiers became the core of the new Czechoslovak army. Some joined the communists, while others entered politics. The Legion is celebrated in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia as a source of national pride for their role in achieving independence.
Some historians believe the Czechoslovak Legion smuggled a boxcar of Russian gold worth around $100 million back to Czechoslovakia. This gold allegedly helped establish the Legio Banka in Prague, though the theory remains unconfirmed. The Soviet Union later raided the bank's vaults, claiming the gold belonged to Russia.
By 1918, the Czechoslovak Legion's morale dropped significantly. They were exhausted, homesick, and no longer had a reason to fight after Czechoslovakia declared independence. Their enthusiasm waned further as the Red Army grew stronger, and they eventually declared neutrality in the Russian Civil War.
Brokered by Czech and Slovak independence leaders, the Legion was formed by the Russian military during WWI to fight Austria-Hungary. After the Revolution, the Legion became entangled in the Civil War and Allied anti-Bolshevik schemes, while its officers meddled in local Russian politics. The Legion took control of the Trans-Siberian Railroad and aligned with the White Armies. After two years of fighting its way through Siberia, the Legion signed a truce with the Bolsheviks, gaining safe passage to Vladivostok, where it was evacuated on Allied ships.
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