The Velvet Revolution and the Collapse of the Communist Regime in Slovakia Cover Image

Aksamitna rewolucja i upadek reżimu komunistycznego na Słowacji
The Velvet Revolution and the Collapse of the Communist Regime in Slovakia

Author(s): Peter Jašek
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, History
Published by: Instytut Pamięci Narodowej
Keywords: Communism;opposition;dissent;fall of the regime;transformation;democracy;

Summary/Abstract: The author of the study analyzes the political and social situation in Slovakia during the late 80s as well as historical changes in 1989 that led to the fall of the communist regime. The study provides overview of the key historial events: gradually brought weakining ofthe regime, changes within the communist party and increase of the opposition activities. Focus of the article are the events of November and December 1989 and crucial events that led to the fall of the regime. Special attention is devoted to the activities of the youth and student movement in Slovakia, especially the march of the students in Bratislava on 16 November. This march can be considered as a prologue of the Gentle Revolution in Slovakia and a springboard for the involved students. They, bolstered by the Prague events, undertook an open protest at the university and creation of the students strike committee, first at the Slovakia. The author also deals with the establishing and development of the movement Public against Violence in November 1989 and to the discussions of the round table between the representatives of the communist party and Public against Violence. This discussions started the process of transformation from the totalitarian communist regime into the democracy.

  • Issue Year: 33/2019
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 230-251
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: Polish