Czechoslovak history began in 1918 when the country was formed after World War I, uniting the Czech lands and Slovakia. It became a democratic state, but faced challenges, including economic difficulties and ethnic tensions. In 1938, it was partially occupied by Nazi Germany, leading to the loss of its sovereignty during World War II. After the war, Czechoslovakia became a communist state under Soviet influence in 1948. The Prague Spring of 1968 attempted to introduce reforms but was suppressed by a Soviet invasion. In 1989, the peaceful Velvet Revolution led to the end of communism, and in 1993, the country peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.