In January 1969, Jan Palach, a 20-year-old student at Charles University in Prague, committed self-immolation in Wenceslas Square. This shocking act was a protest against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, which had crushed a period of liberalization known as the Prague Spring. During this brief period, Czechoslovakia experienced significant reforms under the leadership of Alexander Dubček, who sought to create 'socialism with a human face.' However, this movement was violently suppressed when Soviet tanks rolled into Prague in August 1968, reinstating a totalitarian regime. Palach's act was intended to highlight the despair and hopelessness many Czechs felt post-invasion and to invoke a sense of national solidarity against an oppressive regime.

On the day of his self-immolation, Palach left behind a letter explaining his actions, calling for public protests against the government's oppressive policies and the Soviet presence in Czechoslovakia. Initially, Palach's actions elicited a mixed response from the public; while some admired his bravery, others were deeply troubled by the implications of such a drastic protest. Following his death, a wave of mourning swept through the country, and his act catalyzed protests and public gatherings, reflecting widespread discontent among Czechoslovaks.

Soon after, Palach's funeral became a significant event, attended by thousands, where the atmosphere of sorrow transformed into a collective display of defiance against the regime. His gesture resonated deeply within the hearts of the populace, becoming a pivotal moment in the Czech struggle for freedom and a lasting symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule.