Freedom and democracy day

Freedom and democracy day

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

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Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

November 17, 2023 - November 30, 2001

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Struggle For Freedom And Democracy DayStruggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

What is the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day?

In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day is celebrated each year on 17th November. The full name of the event is Day of Freedom and Democracy and International Student Day, becomes it celebrates the efforts of students in their struggle for freedom throughout the history of what was once Czechoslovakia.

History of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

The twentieth century saw a lot of turmoil for modern-day Czech Republic and Slovakia, when they were still Czechoslovakia. After being under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they declared independence, which lasted a few decades until they became occupied by Nazi Germany during World War Two. They were then liberated, and then fell under Soviet rule until 1989. During both periods of rule and occupation, students led protests against these regimes.

The date of the commemoration comes from the 1939 Nazi storming of the University of Prague after demonstrations against the occupation of Czechoslovakia. The Nazis executed nine students who were involved in the peaceful demonstration. Then in 1989 on the same date, another student demonstration took place to commemorate the lives of these students and the date of the student revolt. This was then suppressed by the police, but was seen as the spark for the Velvet Revolution, where more protests followed by more than just students. This then eventually led to the overthrow of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia, leading to an independent Czechoslovak state once more. Vaclav Havel was elected president and Alexander Dubcek became federal Czechoslovak Speaker.

The Day of Freedom and Democracy and International Student Day now celebrates the political role of students, as well as the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia.

How is the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day celebrated?

The day is usually celebrated through public rituals and ceremonies, and sometimes street festivals. The president may usually lay flowers at the commemorative plaque on National Avenue in Prague while delivering a speech. Some people may light candles and lay wreaths, too.

Useful teaching tools on the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

You could get your pupils to use this Paper People Chain Template to create a chain of students, representing the students that protested for their rights and freedom. This could be a fun arts and crafts activity that could be extended in lots of different ways, and could be useful for prompting discussion.

Why not get your pupils to complete this great Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day Colouring Activity? It could be a great way to introduce the topic to your pupils in a fun and engaging way.

This Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day Poster could be great for bringing the topic to life in your classroom. It could also provide a great point of inspiration for your pupils' work - can they create their own poster for the event? What key images and vocabulary might they include? This could be a great, creative activity that also allows pupils to demonstrate their knowledge.