The HIDDEN STORY Behind the VELVET REVOLUTION

Today, we will take a look at how a tiny lie helped start one of the biggest revolutions in Czechoslovak history—the Velvet Revolution.

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[RealPragueGuides]

What do you think? Would the Velvet Revolution have gained such intensity so quickly without Drahomíra Dražská's lie, or was her lie ultimately insignificant? Let us know in the comments!

[ycplum]

A spark still needs a pile of wood to start a bonfire. The underlining dissatisfaction had to have been at explosive levels for this spark to take hold.

[mariondeland]

I love these detailed/historical videos! I'd always heard that a false rumor of a student's death had started the Velvet Revolution, but never heard the whole story. Fascinating!

[tyrannicalgod]

Im from Czech republic and Im against Communism

[bohuslavkanovsky]

Czech Republic is the land of Kafka 😁
It is true that the info about dead student did spread out quickly, though I would say that did not change anything, it just made the events going on a bit faster.

[chestersayuri]

The scane of everyone listening to his appolgy, shouting "nevadí "(never mind) made me so emotional!! Lovely video

[Harley]

Wonderful reporting and beautifully presented. Great job Real Prague Guides!

[kookarini]

Yes, I always embellish. Every time I tell the story about the first Prague defenestration, I add an extra floor to my explanation. I believe that I am telling people that the burgomaster was through out of the 21st floor window and miraculously survived!

[peteradrian]

This is the most Czech thing ever! Like something from a Kafka story.

[oldhab]

Thank you for the story. I thought I had followed the Velvet Revolution at the time. But I did not know this aspect.

[mattmoss]

You're making me feel old, Valerie! I graduated high school in 1989 in Indiana! My grandparents were Czech and Hungarian.

[jennifertiitinen]

Such a devastating historical story, Thanks for sharing.

[johnmno]

Great story. Excellent research with the interviews

[PrazanExpat]

I think the crowd in November, 1989, gave the answer: Nevadí. It doesn't matter. But I have to confess, I love the Kafkaesque turn of events depicted in your reporting.

[chrisviklund]

Very good episode, love these historical videos.

[paultodd]

Love your videos as you never shy away from a subject but always tell it sensitively😉

[JumJumCZ]

The false death claim sure made some impact, but never the less. The public already had enough before this, that is also why the peaceful event shifted into protest in the first place. However it sure accelerated the final outcome.

[chrishutchison]

AWESOME RPG's!!! Bringing us the academic side today. It does remind us to check our sorces. Thanks!!

[paulterpstra]

Interesting story I somehow have missed in those times. If it was just an extra spark to get things more moving, it is a justified lie. The end result is what counts. I was a 19 year old student myself and followed all the news, mainly via Radio Praha, from the Netherlands, very emotional period (my family live in Prague), as I hated the communist regime to the bone. In Feburary 1990 we were in Prague again for first time after the revolution and I visited an Občanské Fórum office. I think it was somewhere in 26. Října. In 1991, when Havel visited the Netherlands, I was able to shake his hand at the embassy. It meant a lot to me.

[philbuarque]

I love CZ not only for the tourist stuff but also because of its history. Im always eager to learn more! Thank you for bringing that!
Can't beat our favorite Russian hobbit, Val! 😅😁😂😋