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 fusionGlittering generalities

Date

1939

Period

Second World War

Made by

Issuer not stated; no imprint visible on this page of a Czechoslovakia-themed illustrated pamphlet (page number printed)

Region

Eastern Europe and Eurasia

Country

Czechoslovakia

Medium

Leaflet

Issuer type

State

Regime

Czechoslovak Government in Exile

Leader

Edvard Benes

Audience

Foreign public

Purpose

Persuade or win support

Theme

Home front

Event

World War II

Source

Unidentified Source blurred: contractors, cutouts, buried disclosure

Source

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 44, World War II Foreign Posters, retrieved October 3, 2026

Rights

Held by NARA, Unrestricted; hosted by owner decision
Issuer not stated. National Archives and Records Administration, 44-PF-775.

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."

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