description Velvet Revolution Overview
The Velvet Revolution was the largely peaceful movement that ended Communist Party rule in Czechoslovakia in November and December 1989. Mass demonstrations followed the violent suppression of a student march in Prague, while Civic Forum and Public Against Violence coordinated opposition activity. The communist leadership relinquished its monopoly on power, and dissident playwright Václav Havel was elected president before the end of the year.
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Velvet Revolution ranks #4 of 147 in the Revolution ranking, behind American Revolution, ahead of Dutch Revolt.
help Velvet Revolution FAQ
Why was the 1989 Czechoslovak uprising called the Velvet Revolution?
The name refers to the relatively smooth and largely nonviolent transfer of power from Communist rule. It does not mean the demonstrations faced no violence, since police beat participants in the Prague student march on November 17, 1989.
What role did Václav Havel play in the Velvet Revolution?
The dissident playwright became a leading spokesman for Civic Forum, the opposition coalition formed during the protests. He was elected president of Czechoslovakia in December 1989 after Communist control collapsed.
What was the jingling of keys during the demonstrations supposed to mean?
Protesters shook key rings as a signal that it was time for the Communist leadership to leave and as a symbolic ringing of freedom's bells. The sound became one of the most recognizable features of the mass gatherings in Wenceslas Square.
Is the Velvet Revolution the same event as the Velvet Divorce?
No. The Velvet Revolution ended one-party Communist rule in Czechoslovakia in 1989, while the Velvet Divorce was the peaceful 1993 division of that country into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
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