Czech independence refers to the establishment of the Czech Republic as a separate nation after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993. This event followed a peaceful split between the Czech lands and Slovakia, resulting in two independent countries. The decision for independence was influenced by political, economic, and cultural factors. The movement for Czech independence gained momentum after the fall of communism in 1989, which led to greater demands for self-determination. The Velvet Revolution played a crucial role in this transition, allowing the Czech people to pursue their own national identity and governance, ultimately leading to the formation of a democratic state.