
Image

Thomas G. Masaryk–sitting just to left of the crack of the Liberty Bell–Philadelphia, PA, October 26, 1918.
Credit: Donated by Corbis
In October, 1918, Thomas Masaryk and representatives of participating nations gathered in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Common Aims of the Independent Mid-European Nations. On October 26, 1918, Masaryk declared Czechoslovakia’s independence from Austria-Hungary on the steps of Independence Hall.