Independent Social Democratic Party (Czech Lands)

The Independent Social Democratic Party (Czech Lands) (German: Unabhängige Sozialdemokratische Partei (Böhmische Länder), Czech: Nezávislá sociálně demokratická strana v českých zemích) was a socialist political party active in the Czech Lands (Bohemia, Moravia, and parts of Silesia) within Austria-Hungary and later Czechoslovakia. It emerged from a split within the Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) prior to World War I.

The primary impetus for the split stemmed from ideological disagreements regarding nationalism and internationalism, as well as differing strategies for achieving socialist goals. The Independent Social Democrats were generally more critical of Austro-Hungarian imperialism and more aligned with internationalist socialist movements, advocating for greater autonomy or even independence for the Czech Lands. They viewed the mainstream ČSSD as being too conciliatory towards the Austrian authorities.

During World War I, the Independent Social Democrats played a role in anti-war movements and advocated for self-determination for the Czech and Slovak peoples. After the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918 and the creation of Czechoslovakia, the party continued to exist, participating in elections and advocating for socialist policies. However, it remained a relatively small party compared to the ČSSD and the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ).

Over time, the Independent Social Democratic Party (Czech Lands) faced challenges in maintaining its distinct identity and influence. Many of its members eventually joined either the ČSSD or the KSČ. The party gradually declined in importance and eventually ceased to exist as a separate political entity. Its significance lies primarily in its representation of a radical, internationalist socialist current within the Czech Lands' political landscape during a period of significant national and social upheaval.