Closure of Universities in Czechoslovakia: November 15, 1939

On November 15, 1939, a significant and tragic event unfolded in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, leading to the closure of all universities and colleges by the Nazi regime. This event was a direct response to student protests and has since been commemorated as International Students’ Day.

Context and Background

The roots of this event trace back to the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany in March 1939. The annexation of Czechoslovakia was part of Adolf Hitler’s aggressive expansionist policies leading up to World War II. The occupation was met with resistance and unrest among the Czech population, particularly among students and intellectuals who were opposed to the oppressive Nazi regime.

Key Events Leading to the Closure

• October 28, 1939: On the anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s independence, students and citizens organized demonstrations against the Nazi occupation. These protests were met with brutal force by the German authorities.

• Death of Jan Opletal: During these demonstrations, a medical student named Jan Opletal was shot and later died on November 11, 1939. His funeral on November 15 became a focal point for further protests and expressions of national resistance.

• Nazi Retaliation: In retaliation for these demonstrations and the growing student resistance, the Nazis decided to take severe measures. On November 17, 1939, they executed nine student leaders without trial and sent over 1,200 students to concentration camps. This crackdown was part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and eliminate potential sources of opposition.

Closure of Universities

Following these events, the Nazi regime ordered the closure of all Czech universities and colleges. This action was intended to dismantle the intellectual and cultural hubs that were seen as breeding grounds for resistance against Nazi rule.

Aftermath and Significance

• International Students’ Day: The events of November 1939, particularly the brutal suppression of student protests, have been commemorated annually as International Students’ Day on November 17. This observance serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of students who stood up against tyranny and oppression.

• Legacy: The closure of universities in Czechoslovakia was a stark example of the lengths to which totalitarian regimes will go to silence dissent. It highlighted the critical role of students and educational institutions in the fight for freedom and justice.

The events of November 1939 in Czechoslovakia remain a poignant chapter in the history of student activism and resistance against oppressive regimes, underscoring the enduring power of education and youth in shaping the course of history.