Emil Hácha graduated from the Faculty of Law at Charles University in Prague in 1896, eventually becoming a distinguished jurist specializing in English common law. His trajectory shifted from the judiciary to the presidency during the turbulent dissolution of Czechoslovakia, culminating in his role as the state president of the German Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia from 1939 until 1945.
Judicial Career
Before his entry into high-level politics, Hácha served as a judge at the Supreme Administrative Court in Vienna during World War I. Following the Treaty of Versailles, he returned to Prague, where he held the position of Deputy President of the Supreme Administrative Court in 1919. In 1925, T. G. Masaryk appointed him as the first President of the Supreme Administrative Court. Beyond his legal duties, he was a translator of English literature, notably working on Jerome K.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Presidency of Czechoslovakia
Following the Munich Agreement and the departure of Edvard Beneš, Hácha was nominated for the presidency on 30 November 1938. His selection stemmed from his conservative Catholic background and his lack of involvement in previous political administrations. His tenure marked the Second Czechoslovak Republic, a period characterized by a rapid transition toward an authoritarian state. Parliament's powers were curtailed through enabling acts that granted significant authority to the government and the president.
The German Protectorate
In March 1939, following the secession of Slovakia and Ruthenia, Hácha traveled to Berlin at the advice of the British Ambassador, Sir Basil Newton. During meetings at the Reich Chancellery, he was pressured to place the fate of the Czech State under German control. Upon the occupation of the remaining territories on 16 March 1939, he remained in office as the state president of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, swearing an oath to the German leadership. He dissolved the existing parliament and established the National Partnership.
Loss of Influence
Throughout his presidency of the Protectorate, Hácha oversaw the implementation of legislation modeled on the Nuremberg Laws, which targeted Czech Jews. His autonomy eroded significantly starting in September 1941 when Reinhard Heydrich was appointed Deputy Protector. Under the subsequent administration of Kurt Daluege, Hácha became a figurehead with no influence over political affairs. His associates, including Prime Minister Alois Eliáš, were arrested and executed or deported to concentration camps. Hácha died in 1945 at Pankrác Prison.
Fast facts
- Born: 1872, Trhové Sviny
- Died: 1945, Pankrác Prison
- Education: Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague
- President of Czechoslovakia: 1938-1939
- President of the Protectorate: 1939-1945
- Primary Religion: Catholic Church
- Burial site: Vinohrady Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Emil Hácha's professional background before becoming president?
He was a judge, lawyer, and jurist who served as the first President of the Supreme Administrative Court of Czechoslovakia.
When did Hácha serve as the state president of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia?
He held the office from 1939 until his death in 1945.
Achievements
- President of Czechoslovakia (1938–1939)
- state president of the protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (1939–1945)
- Educated at Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague
.jpg)
