The Velvet Revolution

In 1989, the people of Czechoslovakia wanted freedom from communist rule. They held peaceful protests and demonstrations. The revolution was so calm and nonviolent that it was called the Velvet Revolution. Within weeks, the communist government stepped down.

The Protests Begin

On November 17, 1989, students in Prague held a peaceful march. Police attacked the marchers, which made people very angry. Hundreds of thousands of people joined protests in the following days. They jangled their keys in the streets as a symbol of unlocking their freedom.

A New Beginning

The communist government could not stop the growing protests. Within weeks, the leaders resigned. A famous playwright named Vaclav Havel became the new president. The country later peacefully split into two nations: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Fun Facts

• The revolution lasted only about six weeks from start to finish.
• Vaclav Havel was a playwright and human rights activist who became president.
• Czechoslovakia peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

Did You Know?

The revolution is called "velvet" because it was so smooth and peaceful, like soft velvet fabric.