The velvet revolution:by allison and chacha
1.) What methods did the group(s) use to express their frustrations and ultimately lead to a revolution? -The velvet revolution was caused by the people’s anger towards the communist government in Czechoslovakia. First there was a student demonstration complaining about the communist government. Later a general strike occurred including half a million people on the streets using non-violence, chanting the phrase, “We have clean hands”. They sang the national song and held flowers in their hands to show they were unarmed. They also asked people for their sympathy. At one point, an armed policeman was accused of killing a 17-year old protestor; this caused even the skeptical to attend the strikes because they now knew they were fighting for a good cause. 2.) How is your revolution similar and/or different to revolutions previously studied? -The revolution is similar to People power in the Philippines because the protesters used non-violence to overthrow their unfit government. During the Velvet Revolution people were trying to get rid of the communist government which restricted freedom for fifty years. Like people power; it also unified the people to fight for a similar cause. Compared to the French and American Revolution, the velvet revolution is the opposite. In the velvet revolution, there was no one looking for blood or revenge, and no battles took place. They only used masses of people to get across their point. This is probably why it was also called the gentle revolution. 3.) What was the eventual outcome of the revolution, and did the nation/people become better due to the revolution? - The revolution was a complete success. The Czechoslovakia got rid of the communist regime and the government was changed to a parliament. By a unanimous election Havel becomes the first elected president of Czechoslovakia. After fifty years lack of freedom, the country won its fight for freedom and is now run as a democracy. In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two independent countries, Czech Republic and Slovakia. This is important because it showed that the people have a say on things whereas before the government didn’t consider their opinions. 4.) Was the revolution justified? Would other methods have worked? - The revolution was justified; it got rid of Prime Minister Adamec and the communist regime. This revolution was non-violent, using violence wasn’t necessary, and it would only make matters more complicated. If violence were used the protestors probably would have as less participants, and the communist regime could have had some support. 5.) Briefly state whether or not you revolution follows Crane Brinton’s Stages of Revolution. The velvet revolution mostly follows Crane Brinton’s Stages with a few exceptions. First there was a student demonstration which peacefully stated the problems of the communist government. Afterward there was a general strike which included all citizens of Czechoslovakia, these were one of the more important protests of the middle class, and are the first symptoms of the revolution. Later an audience of one million people forced Adamec to retreat, showing that the current government was unable to control the mass of people. This begins phase two, and the people’s power is escalating. Adamec is aware that the majority of the population does not support him, so Adamec finally resigns. Unlike Crane’s analogy, the moderate government succeeds in supporting and managing the nation. The parliament unanimously selects Havel as the first elected president of Czecoslovakia. Three years after becoming president, Havel allows Slovakia to form its own country. The only difference was that weren’t any radicals in the Velvet revolution, so the Civic Forum was never replaced with a more violent revolutionary organization
February 14th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
max like the people power revolution, the velvet revolution shows that people dont have to resort to violence to change an unwanted form of government with the exception of the accused killing of the protester the revolution was peaceful and made a good example of an effective change of government
February 15th, 2008 at 10:13 am
this is a good example of people power because it threw out the communist government very peacefully. it also relates to our singing revoltution because in both revolutions, there were masses on the streets and they were both non-violent. the questions were answered in detail, but the layout was a little hard to follow. haruka
February 19th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
“We have clean hands”. i like how you included quotes that meant alot in your answers to the questions. What i think you guys should do is to make it more easy to read. There are no spaces and in certain parts theres too many spaces separating words. Though, this is a very interesting revolution you guys chose. Great job on number 3. -Kathy.