Jan Palach

Jan Palach was born to František and Věra Palach in Všetaty, a village near Prague, Czechoslovakia.

Jan Palach starts his primary education in Všetaty, laying the foundation for his future academic pursuits.

Jan Palach enrolls in a secondary school in Kolín, continuing his education and developing his critical thinking skills.

Jan Palach graduates from secondary school in Kolín, preparing for higher education and future career opportunities.

Jan Palach is admitted to the Faculty of Arts at Charles University in Prague, where he studies history and philosophy.

Jan Palach becomes actively involved in student movements and protests against the Communist regime, advocating for greater freedoms.

Jan Palach witnesses the Prague Spring reforms, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, which he passionately supports.

Jan Palach experiences the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia, which crushes the Prague Spring reforms and plunges the country into despair.

Jan Palach publishes an open letter in the student magazine Tribuna, criticizing the apathy of Czechoslovak citizens and urging action.

Jan Palach sets himself on fire in Wenceslas Square, Prague, in a desperate act of protest against the Soviet invasion and occupation.

Jan Palach dies in the Na Bulovce Hospital in Prague, three days after his self-immolation, becoming a symbol of resistance.