BE Slovakia 2024 - national uprising

Coffret Belle Epreuve Slovakia 2024 - 80years of the Slovak national uprising

Description:

Coffret Belle Epreuve Slovaquie 2024 featuring 1 cent to 2 euro coins for the year 2024 and a cupro-nickel medal commemorating 80 years of the fight against Nazism.

The Slovak National Uprising (SNP), which took place in 1944, is one of the most significant events in modern Slovak history. Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2024, the uprising was a pivotal moment in the fight against Nazism, and a symbol of Slovak resistance for freedom and independence. On the occasion of this anniversary, a number of commemorative initiatives, such as numismatic collections and cultural events, aim to honor the memory of the fighters and victims of the uprising.

Historical background

Following the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany in 1939, Slovakia became a satellite state under German influence. Although the Slovak regime, led by President Jozef Tiso, was allied with the Nazis, a resistance movement was soon formed, made up of various partisan groups, soldiers and Slovak citizens who refused to collaborate with the Nazi regime. The resistance grew stronger over the years, bringing together communists, socialists, democrats and members of the Slovak army united by a common desire to liberate the country from the Nazi yoke.

The course of the uprising

The Slovak National Uprising began on August 29, 1944 in the town of Banská Bystrica, in central Slovakia. It was instigated by members of the Slovak army and partisans who opposed the German occupation and Tiso's collaborationist government. The aim of the uprising was to overthrow the collaborationist regime, restore national sovereignty and liberate the country from German occupation.

For almost two months, some 60,000 to 80,000 fighters, including regular army soldiers, local partisans, Czechoslovak resistance fighters and foreign allies, battled the Nazi forces. Despite a lack of heavy weapons and insufficient supplies, the insurgents held their ground against a well-equipped and experienced German army.

However, the uprising failed to achieve its short-term objectives. Nazi forces, reinforced by SS and Gestapo units, launched an overwhelming counter-offensive, retaking control of Banská Bystrica on October 27, 1944. Despite this military defeat, Slovak resistance did not cease, and partisans continued to wage guerrilla warfare until Slovakia was liberated by the Red Army and Allied forces in 1945.

Significance and legacy

Although the uprising was suppressed, it had great symbolic importance for Slovakia and Central Europe. The SNP showed that the Slovak people were not passive accomplices of the Nazi regime but, on the contrary, were capable of rising up against oppression. It also contributed to Slovakia's legitimacy as a state participating in the liberation efforts against Nazism. Internationally, the uprising marked one of the largest resistance movements in occupied Europe, attracting the attention and support of the Allies.

After the war, the uprising was celebrated as an act of bravery and resistance against fascism, both in the former Czechoslovakia and in independent Slovakia after 1993. Today, August 29 is a public holiday in Slovakia, commemorating this landmark event in its history.

Commemorating 80 years of the uprising

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising in 2024, celebrations and commemorative events are being organized across Slovakia. In addition to official ceremonies, these commemorations include exhibitions, historical conferences, educational projects and cultural performances to raise awareness among new generations of the importance of this historic moment.

One example is the numismatic collection dedicated to this anniversary. It aims to recall the history and values of freedom and resistance that have shaped the Slovak nation. These collector coins, minted in Universal Brilliant (BU) quality, are not only valuable objects for numismatists, but also serve as a tangible reminder of the struggle and sacrifices of those who took part in the uprising.

In celebrating this 80th anniversary, Slovakia is paying tribute to the heroes of its past and reaffirming its commitment to freedom and justice, while seeking to raise international awareness of this crucial page in its history.

Quality: BE , Belle Epreuve

Edition 1700 copies