Biography
Havel was a spokesman for Charter 77. In November 1989 student marches in Prague grew into a general strike. The Communist Party left power, and Havel became president.
Europe · 1951–1990
VH
Secondary uprising
Václav Havel
Velvet Revolution
Playwright and dissident who became president after mass protest ended party rule.
Life
1936–2011
1936–2011
Place
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic
Years
1989–1989
1989–1989
Map
50.0755, 14.4378
50.0755, 14.4378
Revolution
Theme. Civil society · Nonviolence
Key figures. Alexander Dubček
Outcome. A peaceful transfer of power.
Casualties. The November days were almost without deaths.
Influence. A model of civic, nonviolent revolution at the end of the Cold War.