tefánik

Milan Rastislav Štefánik (Slovak: Milan Rastislav Štefánik; 21 July 1880 – 4 May 1919) was a Slovak politician, astronomer, and military pilot who is widely regarded as one of the founders of Czechoslovakia. Born when Slovakia was part of Austria-Hungary, he pursued studies in mathematics and astronomy in Prague and Paris and conducted astronomical research in Europe.

During World War I, Štefánik joined the Czechoslovak nationalist movement and helped establish the Czechoslovak National Council in Paris in 1916, a key body in the effort to secure an independent Czechoslovak state. He also served as a pilot in the French army and supported the Czechoslovak Legions, contributing to Allied efforts in the war.

After the war, Štefánik played a leading role in political work that contributed to the negotiations and recognition of Czechoslovakia as an independent state. He died in a plane crash on 4 May 1919 near Bratislava, an event that was a significant blow to the early flush of the new nation.

Legacy: Štefánik is remembered as a pivotal figure in the creation of Czechoslovakia and is honored in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Bratislava’s international airport is named Letisko M. R. Štefánika in his honor, and there are monuments, streets, and institutions named after him. He is often listed alongside Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and Edvard Beneš as a founder of the Czechoslovak state.