It was termed the 'Velvet Revolution' because it was a non-violent transition of power, it was a peaceful movement ending in compromise.
The change of power occurred between November 17th and December 29th, 1989. The result of this change was the end of the one -party - rule in Czechoslovakia, dismantling of the planned economy and the transition to a parliamentary republic.
The 'Velvet Revolution' began with peaceful student marches and demonstrations. An estimated number of 500,000 people took part in these events. As a result of all this, a group called Civic Forum was established as a collection of spokespeople of the democrating movement. It was led by Vaclav Havel, an author and playwright, who would later become the country's president.
In June 1990, Czechoslovakia held its first democrating elections since 1946. On January 1st, 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries : the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
