Alexander Dubček was a Slovak politician best known for his role as the leader of Czechoslovakia during the Prague Spring in 1968. He aimed to implement reforms that promoted greater political freedom and social democracy, challenging the strict control of the Soviet Union over Eastern Europe. Dubček's efforts to liberalize the government led to a brief period of political openness, but this was met with resistance. In August 1968, Soviet forces invaded Czechoslovakia to suppress the reforms, leading to Dubček's removal from power. His legacy remains significant in discussions about democracy and reform in post-war Europe.