Velvet Revolution facts for kids
The Velvet Revolution was a big change in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) that happened between November 17 and December 29, 1989. It was called "Velvet" because it was mostly peaceful, without much violence.
This revolution ended the rule of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. For many years, this party was the only one allowed to govern. After the revolution, Czechoslovakia started to become a democracy, where people could choose their leaders.
Before the revolution, in 1968, an event called the Prague Spring tried to bring more freedom. But the Warsaw Pact countries invaded Czechoslovakia and stopped it. After that, the government brought back strict rules. This time was known as Normalization. There was also censorship, meaning the government controlled what people could say or read.
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How the Revolution Began
The Velvet Revolution started on November 17, 1989. It began at an event in Prague to remember students whose universities were closed by the Nazis in 1939. After the official event, many people continued to protest.
The state police stopped this protest on a street called "Národní třída" in a harsh way. In the days that followed, more and more people gathered to protest against what the police had done.
Big Protests and New Groups
One of the biggest protests happened on November 25. Around 750,000 to 800,000 people gathered to show their unhappiness with the government.
On November 19, a new group called the Civic Forum was created in Prague. This group led talks with the communist government. On the same day, another group called "Public Against Violence" started in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
General Strike and New Leaders
On November 27, a general strike took place across the country. This meant many people stopped working to show their protest. On this day, about 300,000 people protested at Wenceslas Square in Prague. Their main message was "Konec vlády jedné strany," which means "End of one-party government."
The revolution ended with a big change in leadership. On December 29, 1989, Václav Havel became the new president of Czechoslovakia. He was the first president since 1948 who was not a communist. This marked the start of a new, democratic era for the country.
Images for kids
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Memorial of the Velvet revolution in Bratislava (Námestie SNP), Slovakia: "Only those who struggle for their freedom are worthy of it." At this place in November 1989 we decided to take our responsibility for the future into our own hands. We decided to put an end to communism and to establish freedom and democracy.
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St. Wenceslas Monument
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People on the Wenceslas Square in Prague
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25 November, people flow from the Prague cathedral (where ended a mass in honour of canonisation of Agnes of Bohemia) and from the metro station Hradčanská to Letná Plain.
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"To the general secretary – a general strike!!!" An appeal with portrait of Miloš Jakeš, who resigned on 24 November
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21st Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution - Fmr President Václav Havel (right, with flowers) at the Memorial at Národní Street in Prague
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