Abstract

Due to their large numbers the Slovaks in America became the dominant spokesmen for the driving force behind Slovak national interests during the First World War. In the months prior to October 1915, the American Slovaks were very active in helping their co-nationals who were in some manner victimized by the European conflict. This included monetary collections for families in Slovakia, the gathering of clothing for Slovak prisoners of war in Serbia, and attempts to free Slovaks interned as enemy aliens in Canada. ;As a Slavic nation the Slovaks were pro-Slavic and anti-Germanic, which manifested itself in this period into a dichotomous world view of good versus evil or Germany and its partners against Russia and its allies. The Slovaks in the United States viewed the events of the war in these terms, hoping for an Allied victory which could result in an improvement in the political-cultural situation or even independence for the Habsburg Slovaks. Although initially wanting to work alone for equality within Hungary, the majority of the Slovaks were eventually persuaded to join forces with the Czechs to seek independence of both nations in a common state. However, before final cooperation was achieved, the general Czech attitude of inattentiveness and disregard for the Slovaks as a national equal resulted in the Slovak reluctance to work with the Czechs. With the signing of the Cleveland Agreement, which promised full autonomy for Slovakia, obstacles for joint action were removed. ;Slovak attitudes and actions in the United States were a product of extended nationalism. Although separated by thousands of miles from their co-nationals and settled in a new country, the American Slovaks nonetheless remained patriots, continued to hold intense feelings for the homeland, and worked for what was seen as beneficial for Slovakia and its inhabitants