---
title: The "Sokol" is Unique - Czechoslovakia
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/cz-the-sokol-is-unique-1939/
description: 'Page 10 of an illustrated pamphlet: photographs of gymnasts, a mass drill in a stadium and a crowd on a street.'
section: Collection
---

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3. The "Sokol" is Unique - Czechoslovakia

[![The "Sokol" is Unique - Czechoslovakia, 1939 Czechoslovakia leaflet: Page 10 of an illustrated pamphlet](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/cz-the-sokol-is-unique-1939.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/cz-the-sokol-is-unique-1939.jpg)

# The "Sokol" is Unique - Czechoslovakia

Page 10 of an illustrated pamphlet: photographs of gymnasts, a mass drill in a stadium and a crowd on a street, with text on the Sokol gymnastic movement founded in 1862. The tell for glittering-generalities is 'voluntary discipline, inspired by national enthusiasm' and 'national unity' offered as virtues; the page also contrasts Sokol with 'the compulsory Nazi Youth Movement' and states the Nazis 'fear the power of the Sokol'.

## Propaganda techniques used in this leaflet

[Identity fusion](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/identity-fusion/) [Glittering generalities](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/glittering-generalities/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
THE "SOKOL" IS UNIQUE

The Czechoslovak "Sokol" (falcon) founded in 1862, was first in the field of voluntary national gymnastic movements which included men, women and children. It became by far the largest and showed the world what voluntary discipline, inspired by national enthusiasm, can do to the mind, spirit and body; an entirely different conception from the compulsory Nazi Youth Movement.

The "Sokol" had thousands of local branches and more than a million members, representing almost 10% of the population. "Sokol Slets"— festivals—were held every six years and members all over the country took part.

The "Sokol" was a strong factor in developing and maintaining national unity. The Nazis fear the power of the "Sokol" and have abolished all its activities."

10
```

[← The Fight in the Air - Czechoslovakia](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/cz-the-fight-in-the-air-1939/) [V...Free Czechoslovakia →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/cz-v-free-czechoslovakia-1939/)

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