The Forgotten Legacy of Ernest Denis: A Comedic Reflection
Ah, Ernest Denis. A historian who sounds like he either made wine or aged like one—there’s a debate there! Born in the lovely city of Nîmes in 1849, this chap was up to his ears in history, specifically of the Czech kind. You know, the kind nobody remembers until you dig, like finding a half-eaten chocolate bar under your couch cushions—surprising and a little bit dusty.
A Scholar vs. a Wine Merchant
Denis, whose family likely had more than a few corks to pop, chose the intellectual path over the family wine business. This choice leads one to wonder: what happens when a passionate historian meets a bottle of vintage cabernet? A fascinating lecture on the vintage of 1870, of course! Honestly, his decision to pursue academia could have made for some fiery arguments over family dinners: “Oh yes, Uncle Claude, I read D’Artagnan, while you’ve just read the back of the wine label again!”
A Cultural Link—or a Bottled Message?
Now, thanks to Denis’s Nîmes origins, there’s a Czech section at the Lycée Daudet, because nothing says “understanding different cultures” like mixing high school with a bit of Czechoslovak charm! Imagine the surprise when the mayor met Czech students from Dijon; it’s like discovering that people still use dial-up internet! “Wait, you mean they’re *not* from the next town over?”
Wars, Scholarships, and Czechs in France
Moving on to a rather traumatic episode—our man Denis fought bravely in the defense of Paris during the 1870 siege. How dramatic! But rather than cowering in fear, he cleverly used the opportunity to secure a scholarship to Prague. Now, if I were in a war-torn city, I’d be thinking more along the lines of “how do I get out of here on a fast train rather than a leisurely college experience?”
The Hussite Spirit and the Slavic Connection
Let’s not forget Denis’s Protestant roots. A Protestant historian and the Czechs? They hit it off like two old mates bumping into each other at a pub. Shared oppression is the heart of a good friendship, after all. Denis’s love for Czech history and his thesis on the Hussites really solidified this bond. If only his history lectures had been as thrilling as a Czech action movie—imagine swords clashing with a punchline at the end!
Magazines and More: Where’s the Drama?
Denis didn’t just stop there; he published “The Slavic World” and “The Czech Nation.” I mean, come on, he had *two* magazines! That’s dedication! Talk about setting the bar high. If only a few entertainment magazines had survived his era, one could imagine the gossip columns: “Did you hear about the last reunion of Czech legionnaires? Rumors are they’re not just friends; they’re *friends*.”
A Legacy of Excellence and a Touch of Irony
With the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918, Denis must have had an epiphany that probably didn’t come with an instruction manual. He finally got to witness the fruits of his labor and years of hard work. If there was ever a happy moment in history, this was it! “I fought valiantly in Paris, wrote tons on Czech history, and all I get is this crown on my head?”
The Sweet-Weighted End
Sadly, his happiness turned bittersweet. He returned to Paris only to find himself facing some health issues. But let’s not paint it all in gray—he got to see a friendly, independent Czechoslovakia before the curtains closed on his stage. Now, if that’s not like finishing your award-winning novel just as you’re about to trip and fall off the stage, I don’t know what is!
In Conclusion
So, let’s toast to Ernest Denis—a man who turned the historical pages for Czechoslovakia, made us question our family legacies, and maybe had us wondering if our own contributions to history would be remembered or go the way of stale bread left out on the counter. Here’s hoping your legacy doesn’t get lost like those bottles of forgotten wine in the cellar!
Jacques Denis|Photo: Anna Kubišta, Radio Prague Int.
To delve into the intricate life of Ernest Denis, listen to the full interview by pressing the Play button below, where you can also find excerpts.
Jacques Denis, welcome. As the great-nephew of Ernest Denis, born in 1849 in the historic city of Nîmes, you carry forward the legacy of a distinguished historian. Denis was not only an expert on Germany but also focused on Bohemia and the broader Slavic world. Though somewhat forgotten today, he played a fundamental role as one of the founding fathers of independent Czechoslovakia alongside prominent figures like Masaryk, Beneš, and Štefánik. Before exploring his life, could you elaborate on his influence and significance in his native Nîmes, which is also your residence?
Ernest Denis|Photo: Forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
“My grandfather was his brother, who remained in Nîmes. In one of the letters exchanged between Ernest Denis and his colleague Pinkas, he noted that his brother would be more adaptable in handling the transition of their father’s wine business. Consequently, he opted to pursue an intellectual path, which ultimately became his passion.”
It is noteworthy that because of Ernest Denis’s Nîmes roots, we now have a dedicated Czech section at the Lycée Daudet in Nîmes, enriching the local educational landscape.
Lycée Carnot à Dijon|Photo: The forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
“Indeed, following its establishment in 1920, the young Czechoslovak State initiated a Czech section at the Carnot high school in Dijon. This decision aimed to equip its youth with global perspectives and facilitate their understanding of French culture. A few years later, students aware of Ernest Denis’s history planned a visit to his hometown of Nîmes, prompting surprise from the mayor upon learning that Czech students were in Dijon, rather than Nîmes, where they could find their roots. As a result, the General Council launched five or six scholarships to support these young visitors.”
Were these scholarships specifically for girls?
Lycée Daudet à Nîmes|Photo: Forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
“No, the initial scholarships were designated for boys. However, a significant shift occurred in 1924 when the first group of young Czech male students arrived. Remarkably, since 1990, the majority of students attending from Nîmes have been young girls. This marks the first prolonged, uninterrupted period of female students spanning 34 years, with these young girls seamlessly integrating into various classes based on their aptitudes in science, letters, and philosophy, participating fully in the French educational system.”
Jacques Denis|Photo: Forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
Shifting focus back to Ernest Denis’s personal history, can you recount details about his family’s lineage?
La maison d’Ernest Denis à Nîmes|Photo: Forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
“Ernest’s father was a notable wine merchant. He was born in the vibrant center of Nîmes, but shortly after his birth, his parents relocated to a house I regret selling around twenty years ago, where I had lived at one point. Ernest Denis epitomized the spirit of Nîmes.”
One pivotal moment in Ernest Denis’s life was his involvement in the defense of Paris during the besiegement by German forces in 1870. This event was profoundly traumatic, particularly following the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany in 1871. How did he process these tumultuous experiences?
“His reaction was deeply influenced by the protests voiced by the Czech deputies in the Imperial Diet, which resonated with him. At that time, he was concluding his time at Normale Sup, where he was exposed to Slavic teachers like Léger. Motivated by a desire to contribute further, he sought a three-year scholarship from the Ministry of Public Education, which took him to Prague for an enriching academic experience.”
It seems the Czechs shared a bond with the French during this period, feeling a collective oppression under the German rule…
“Absolutely. That sense of shared struggle formed a powerful connection between their histories.”
L’ouvrage sur Hus et des Hussites par Ernest Denis|Photo: Forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
Interestingly, Ernest Denis hailed from a Protestant family—a significant detail that influenced his connections with the Czechs, who recognized their own historic struggles, particularly during the Hussite era and the Counter-Reformation led by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. How did this connection evolve?
“Without a doubt, this Protestant heritage played a pivotal role, influencing his early scholarship. His doctoral thesis focused on the Hussites, highlighting his commitment to Czech history.”
Ernest Denis became a crucial figure in advocating for Czech history in French literature. He launched two vital publications, “The Slave World” and “The Czech Nation.” Could you shed light on these magazines?
The Czech Nation|Photo: MZV ČR
“Yes, these publications emerged later in his career. Before that, he published numerous works regarding Czech lands while taking up a position at the esteemed Sorbonne around 1896. His academic journey included various teaching positions across France, from Chambéry to Bordeaux. The vacancy at the Sorbonne marked a turning point where he cultivated ‘The Slavic World’ and ‘The Czech Nation.’ Notably, the Czech Nation’s first assistant was Rudolf Kepl, the grandfather of renowned scholar Gilles Kepel.”
It’s important to note that during his time, a small yet vibrant Czech and Slovak community existed in France, contributing to the cultural tapestry known as the Czechoslovak colony, often mobilized around these publications.
Des volonataires tchèques|Photo: Forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
“Recent documentaries about ‘Ernest Denis, forgotten founding father’ have illustrated the thriving presence of traders and artists within this community in Paris. An important cultural awakening materialized during that era, reflected through various personalities and their acts of solidarity. For example, the legacy of Czech legionnaires persisted, notably marked during World War II.”
Photo: Forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
Ivan Španiel|Photo: VHÚ
“In this narrative, we should also mention Ivan Španiel, a graduate of high school in Nîmes in 1937, who enlisted into the French forces and traveled to London, eventually serving in the Free French Forces. He contributed to the liberation efforts in Paris and Strasbourg, showcasing the heroic spirit of the Czechoslovak people during wartime, before ultimately sacrificing his life in Alsace.”
The tireless efforts of figures like Ernest Denis, alongside Masaryk, Beneš, and Štefánik, finally culminated in the establishment of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918. How did Denis react to this monumental event?
La statue d’Ernest Denis sur la place Malostranské|Photo: Forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
“This moment surely filled him with immense satisfaction, as much of his academic life advocated for and analyzed Czech history. It represented the culmination of his work and commitment. Additionally, the conclusion of World War I brought familial peace to his wife’s Lorraine origins, extending joy beyond national boundaries. His last visit to Prague in late 1920 was marked by triumphant receptions, with whispers suggesting he was even considered for the presidency of the republic. It was undoubtedly a profound satisfaction for him, even as he grappled with health issues that necessitated his quick return to Paris after this celebratory event. His subsequent illness and surgery, which ended tragically, offset his joy. Yet, he lived to witness the jubilant celebration for free and independent Czechoslovakia, a moment etched in history.”
Jacques Denis near the statue of Ernest Denis in Nîmes|Photo: The forgotten founder Ernest Denis/ČT
