Emil Hacha

Emil Hacha was appointed Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia after the Munich Agreement. He was a lawyer and judge, not a politician, and was chosen to lead a government of national unity during the crisis. His appointment was seen as an attempt to stabilize the country.

Hacha was elected President of Czechoslovakia after the resignation of Edvard Benes. He inherited a country that had lost its border fortifications and was under pressure from Nazi Germany. His presidency was marked by efforts to appease Hitler.

Hacha was summoned to Berlin by Hitler and pressured to sign the agreement creating the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. He was threatened with the bombing of Prague and suffered a heart attack during the meeting. He signed the document, effectively surrendering Czech sovereignty.

Hacha served as the State President of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia under Nazi control. He had limited authority and was largely a figurehead. His collaboration with the Nazis has been widely criticized, though he claimed he acted to prevent greater bloodshed.

After the end of World War II, Hacha was arrested by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile. He was charged with collaboration with the Nazis. He died in prison in 1945 before his trial could be completed, under circumstances that remain disputed.