Zestátnění uhelných drah v Československu 1918 - 1925

This doctoral thesis analyses theoretical and practical aspects of gradual nationalization of railway network and establishment of integrated state-owned unitary railways in Czechoslovakia in the years of 1918 – 1925 – following the specific example of so-called coal railways (Bustehrad Coal Railway, Usti-Teplice Coal Railway). Theoretical part of the work examines Czech economic thought in relationship to construction and ownership of railways. This thinking is followed from the half of the 19th century to the beginning of 20th century, when the railway network was constructed in the shape as it functions until today. The history of relationship between the state and the railways went through several stages, when the approach of state to running and ownership of railways was changing. Starting with private beginnings from the 30ties of the 19th century, being followed by period of first state railways (1841-1848) until privatization (1855) and indirect state support. The idea of state-owned railways then won in the last third of the 19th century. Specific example of railway companies were the coal railways. These railway companies were established primarily for the purpose of profit-making coal transport. This thesis examines their development together with property interconnection to coal companies. The idea of unitary state railways definitely won after 1918 and even coal railways were put under state control. The thesis describes in detail the nationalization of the Bustehrad and Usti-Teplice coal railways, using archive materials. This study also follows elaborately the contemporary discussions of the era and their connection to schools of economic thought of the time.