Resistance movement facts for kids

A resistance movement is a group of people in a country who secretly or openly fight against an occupying power. An occupying power is usually a foreign army that has taken control of their land. These movements try to cause problems for the occupiers and bring about change.

Sometimes, a resistance movement uses peaceful methods, like nonviolent resistance (also called civil resistance). This means they might protest, refuse to follow rules, or go on strike without using any violence. Other times, they might use force, like fighting or sabotage, to achieve their goals. In many cases, like in Norway during the Second World War, a resistance movement might use both peaceful and violent methods.

What is a Resistance Movement?

A resistance movement is made up of ordinary people who decide to stand up against a government or an army that has taken control of their country. They believe that their land or their way of life is being threatened, and they want to regain their freedom or change the situation.

Why Do People Form Resistance Movements?

People form resistance movements for many reasons. Often, it's because their country has been invaded and taken over by a foreign power. They might feel that their rights are being taken away, or that their culture and traditions are in danger. They want to protect their homeland and bring back their own government.

How Do Resistance Movements Operate?

Resistance movements can work in many different ways. Their actions depend on their goals and the situation they are in.

Peaceful Resistance

Some groups choose to use peaceful methods. This is called nonviolent resistance or civil resistance. They might:

• Organize large protests or demonstrations.
• Refuse to cooperate with the occupying power (like not paying taxes or not working).
• Spread information to encourage others to resist.
• Use art, music, or writing to express their opposition.

These actions aim to show the world that the people do not agree with the occupation, and to make it difficult for the occupying power to control the country.

Armed Resistance

Other groups might use force, which is known as armed resistance. This can include:

• Carrying out secret attacks on military targets.
• Destroying important supplies or communication lines (sabotage).
• Gathering information about the enemy.
• Helping people escape or hide from the occupying power.

These actions are often dangerous but are meant to weaken the occupying power and make it harder for them to stay in control.

Famous Examples of Resistance

Throughout history, there have been many examples of resistance movements.

World War II Resistance

During the Second World War (1939-1945), many countries were occupied by foreign armies. In places like France, Norway, Poland, and the Netherlands, brave people formed resistance movements. They helped Allied soldiers, sabotaged enemy plans, and gathered important information. These groups played a big part in helping their countries become free again.

Afghan Mujahideen

The Afghan mujahideen were groups of fighters in Afghanistan who resisted the Soviet Union's invasion in the late 1970s and 1980s. They fought for their country's independence and religious freedom. Many people around the world saw them as freedom fighters.

Estonian Forest Brothers

After World War II, in countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, groups known as the "Forest Brothers" resisted the Soviet Union's control. They hid in forests and fought for their countries' independence for many years. One famous Estonian fighter was Ants Kaljurand, also known as "the Terrible."

Images for kids

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  A group of Afghan mujahideen, who were considered to be freedom fighters by Western nations

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  Mugshot of Ants "the Terrible" Kaljurand, a famous Estonian freedom fighter

See also

In Spanish: Movimiento de resistencia para niños