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velvet revolution 01.12/13.10

city form: history/culture

 
The Velvet Revolution was one of the Revolutions of 1989 that brought the overthrow of the Communist government in Eastern Europe. The events began in Poland and continued in Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia , Bulgaria and Romania. Romania was the only country to overthrow its Communist regime violently. http://www.prague.net/blog/article/36/velvet-revolutionhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_8347000/8347282.stmgrandiosity.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2
One of the less pleasant side effects of the fall of Communism and the opening of Prague to western tourism has been crime. Petty crime is fairly rampant in the city, with crime rings perpetrating pick-pocketing, car theft, taxi extortion, hotel invasions, and even police impersonation.http://www.myczechrepublic.com/prague/safety.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0
The revolution was largely successful because of the support of young people, who initiated the series of demonstrations that would change the path of their nation. In November of 1989 a peaceful student protest in Prague sparked a series of demonstrations that culminated in a general strike that involved the entire Czech popluation. Youth culture is still strong in Prague, as evidenced by the vibrant street art.http://my.opera.com/ottokouwen/albums/slideshow/?album=621936shapeimage_4_link_0