10 - Invasion of Czechoslovakia Flashcards
What year was the invasion of Czechoslovakia?
1968
Two consequences of the appointment of Alexander Dubcek.
1 - ended protests in Prague
2 - Dubcek introduced reforms
The appointment of Dubcek ended the protests in Prague - evidence
- previous First Secretary of the Communist Party was a hard-line communist
- Dubcek popular because seen as a reformer
- committed to communism but wanted ‘socialism with a human face’
The appointment of Dubcek led to Dubcek introducing reforms - evidence
- Prague Spring Reforms
- designed to remove unpopular elements of communism
- e.g. introduced freedom of speech and removed censorship of the press
- allowed other political parties to form and promised free democratic elections
3 Consequences of the Prague Spring reforms
1 - reforms were popular
2 - reforms were viewed with suspicion by Brezhnev
3 - Brezhnev felt Dubcek had gone too far
Dubcek’s reforms were popular - evidence
- removed many Stalinist elements of communism - censorship relaxed, travel restrictions removed, free elections planned
- Dubcek became very popular within Czechoslovakia and praised by the rest of the world, who saw him as a reformer
Dubcek’s reforms were viewed with suspicion by Brezhnev - evidence
- concerned the USSR might lose control of Czechoslovakia
- relaxation of censorship led to widespread criticism of the USSR and demands for independence grew
- concerned other satellite states might want to make similar reforms
Brezhnev felt Dubcek’s reforms had gone too far - evidence
- 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops invaded and seized control of Prague
- did it to prevent further reforms and reimpose Soviet control
3 consequences of the invasion of Czechoslovakia
1 - USSR re-imposed their control over Czechoslovakia
2 - Brezhnev issued Brezhnev Doctrine
3 - Communist parties in Europe outraged by invasion
The invasion of Czechoslovakia meant that the USSR re-imposed their control over Czechoslovakia - evidence
- 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops
- protesters easily defeated and over 100 killed
- Dubcek removed and replaced with loyal, pro-Soviet, hard-line communist
The invasion of Czechoslovakia meant that Brezhnev issued the Brezhnev Doctrine - evidence
- strengthened control over Eastern Europe = deterred from introducing reforms or seeking independence
- Western European countries unwilling to come into conflict with USSR
- showed the world that USSR not willing to lose control of Eastern Europe
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
Stated that the USSR were prepared to take any action - including force - against any country that threatened the unity of the USSR.
The invasion of Czechoslovakia led to the communist parties in Europe being outraged - evidence
- Communist Parties in Western European nations (e.g. France, Italy) outraged that USSR would invade fellow communist nation
- formed Eurocommunism
- China (powerful communist nation) condemned the invasion
Importance of the invasion of Czechoslovakia for international relations
1 - Worsened relations between USSR and other communist countries
2 - Worsened relationship between USA and USSR
Why was the invasion of Czechoslovakia important for international relations - worsen relations between the USSR and other communist countries
- Communist parties in France and Italy broke away from the USSR and formed Eurocommunism
- China (powerful communist nation) condemned the invasion as they thought it would worsen communism’s reputation
