This paper focuses on both Masaryk's theoretical concepts and practical endeavours to establish independent democratic sates in Central Europe after World War I. Masaryk's ideas developed from his theoretical knowledge, his knowledge of history, as well as from his political experience as a parliamentary deputy. At the centre lay his belief that the existence of nations as multilayered, integrated entities was an important condition for the development of democracy, provided that smaller nations were respected by larger ones and would be given sufficient space and autonomy to develop properly. The general acceptance of democratic and humanitarian values and principles would guarantee an end to the traditional expansionism of larger nations at the expense of the freedom, standards and dignity of smaller nations. Attention is also focused on Masaryk's extensive activities during the First World War regarding the independence of democratic states in Central Europe.
This paper examines Masaryk's central notions concerning the importance of religion in the life of individuals and societies. It also looks at Masaryk's view of the difference between the official dogmatic Christianity of the Catholic Church and early Christianity, which according to Masaryk remained the best thing that religion offered due to its non-dogmatic nature, its emphasis on morality and its marked rationality. Masaryk also made important connections between basic Christian principles and the struggle for democracy and social justice.