What were the key events during the Velvet Revolution?

The key events during the Velvet Revolution were:

1. Student Protests: On November 17, 1989, a peaceful student demonstration in Prague was brutally suppressed by the police, sparking widespread public outrage.

2. Civic Forum Formation: Following the suppression of the student protests, Civic Forum, a coalition of various dissident groups and intellectuals, was formed to demand political reforms and the resignation of the communist government.

3. General Strike: On November 27, 1989, a nationwide general strike was organized by Civic Forum, bringing the country to a standstill and putting immense pressure on the government.

4. Negotiations: The communist government, led by President Gustav Husak, entered into negotiations with Civic Forum and other opposition groups to discuss political reforms and a peaceful transition of power.

5. Resignation of the Government: On December 10, 1989, the communist government resigned, including the Prime Minister Ladislav Adamec, paving the way for a new government.

6. Vaclav Havel as President: On December 29, 1989, Vaclav Havel, a prominent dissident and leader of Civic Forum, was elected as the new President of Czechoslovakia.

7. Peaceful Transition: The Velvet Revolution marked a peaceful transition of power, with the communist regime giving way to a democratic government, leading to the end of 41 years of communist rule in Czechoslovakia.