The Soviet Union led Warsaw Pact troops in an invasion of Czechoslovakia on this day in 1968.
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Why did the Soviet Union invade Czechoslovakia?
The Soviet Union, along with other Warsaw Pact countries, invaded Czechoslovakia to suppress the reforms of the Prague Spring. The Prague Spring was a period of political liberalization and democratization led by Czechoslovak leader Alexander Dubček, which challenged Soviet influence and control.
How long did the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia last?
The Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia lasted until 1991 when the country peacefully transitioned to a democratic system following the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. However, the direct military presence and control were gradually reduced in the years following the invasion.
How did the international community respond to the invasion?
The international response to the invasion was mixed. Some countries condemned the invasion as a violation of international law and sovereignty, while others, particularly those in the Warsaw Pact, supported the actions of the Soviet Union. The invasion heightened tensions between the Eastern Bloc and Western countries during the Cold War.
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