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Vaclav Havel: A Democratic Revolutionary

Who is Vaclav Havel?

Vaclav Havel was a Czech playwright, essayist, poet, dissident, and politician. He was the last president of Czechoslovakia, serving from 1989 to 1992, and the first president of the Czech Republic, serving from 1993 to 2003.

Havel's Early Life and Education

Vaclav Havel was born on October 5, 1936, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. His father was a wealthy businessman and his mother was a journalist. Havel attended boarding school in the countryside and later studied at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Prague.

Havel's Literary Career

Havel began his literary career in the early 1960s, writing plays that were critical of the Czechoslovak communist government. His plays were banned from being performed in Czechoslovakia, but they were published abroad and helped to raise awareness of the oppressive conditions in the country.

Havel's Political Activism

In the late 1970s, Havel became involved in the growing dissident movement in Czechoslovakia. He helped to found the Charter 77 movement, which called for the government to respect human rights. He was arrested and imprisoned several times for his political activism.

The Velvet Revolution

In 1989, the Velvet Revolution led to the overthrow of the communist government in Czechoslovakia. Havel was elected president of the new democratic government.

Havel's Presidency

As president, Havel oversaw the transition of Czechoslovakia to democracy and the country's eventual split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He was also a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy around the world.

Havel's Legacy

Vaclav Havel died on December 18, 2011, at the age of 75. He is remembered as a leading figure in the democratic revolutions of Eastern Europe and as a tireless advocate for human rights and democracy. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Additional Information

Here are some additional facts about Vaclav Havel:

• He was the first president of the Czech Republic to be elected by popular vote.
• He was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.
• He was also a recipient of the Order of Lenin, the highest award of the Soviet Union. (He returned this award in 1989.)