Life story
Milan Hodža was born on 1 February 1878 in Sučany. He studied law and philosophy and, while still young, became a journalist and politician who fought for the rights of Slovaks in the Kingdom of Hungary. He was among the most learned and far-sighted statesmen of his time.
After the founding of Czechoslovakia he held a series of ministerial posts, and from 1935 to 1938 he served as Prime Minister — the first and, for a long time, the only Slovak to head a Czechoslovak government. He championed cooperation, agrarian reform and reconciliation among nationalities.
He was the originator of the idea of closer cooperation among the small nations of Central Europe. He warned of the danger posed by the great powers and sought a way for smaller countries between Germany and Russia to preserve their independence and dignity.
After the Munich Agreement he went into exile and continued his political work abroad. He died on 27 June 1944 in Clearwater, in the United States. In 2002 his remains were brought home and laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Martin.
Biographical details from public sources. Portrait: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).
Constellation of Life
Important milestones that shaped their journey.