The Sokol movement is an important part of Czech history so it isn't surprising that it may be doing better abroad among expatriates than back home. Another part of the reason for its waning popularity back home is the fact that this nationalistic sports organization was founded at a time (1862) when the independence of the nation was still in question. The usurpation of the nation-wide Sokol gatherings by the communist regime under the title Spartakiáda also had a lot to do with it.

Czech Sokol movement in New York celebrates 140th anniversary At the turn of the 19th and 20th century, dozens of thousands of Czechs and Slovaks found a new home in the USA, and Sokol meant a "piece of homeland" to them. The movement's moral values, mutual solidarity and enthusiasm helped them overcome difficulties in an unknown country.