The Free Democratic Press and K. H. Borovský – Havlíčkova Borová

Fact of the Czech figure „The Birth of a Political Nation”

Part of the „Revolutions of 1848″ topic

Numerous tributes to Karel Havlíček Borovský (1821-1856) are to be found throughout the Czech lands, ranging from statues, plaques, and street names to journalistic awards. His legacy is also preserved in his hometown of Borová, from which the famous journalist and writer derived his surname, and where a memorial dedicated to his life is in his birthplace.

K. H. Borovský was a key figure in the revolution of 1848, helping to form the political demands of the Czech liberal movement. As editor-in-chief of the National News, he understood how significantly the press contributed to forming public opinion and recognized its potential in advancing the political and economic interests of the national movement.

The revolutionary years of 1848–1849 played a pivotal role in the development of print media, as the press demonstrated an unprecedented ability to spread ideas, information, and organise public and political life. However, when the revolution was defeated, the free press posed a threat to the new emperor and his neo-absolutist cabinet. The following decades were marked by extensive press censorship, the National News was banned and Havlíček himself died prematurely in exile.