Eugenics and Euthanasia in Czechoslovakia (1914 – 1945): Historical, Social, and Educational Contexts

The article analyses the historical development and impact of eugenic ideologies in Czechoslovakia between 1914 and 1945, with an emphasis on their influence on education and social policy towards people with disabilities. It examines the tension between medical aspirations for preventive eugenics and democratic legal traditions, as well as the effect of Nazi occupation policies, including sterilisation programmes and Aktion T4. Special attention is given to the role of segregated educational systems shaped by eugenic thinking and the ethical dilemmas arising from these practices. The study provides a critical assessment of the historical legacy of eugenics and its implications for contemporary inclusive education.