2.3 Czechoslovakia Flashcards
How did the Soviets maintain control in Czechoslovakia
Secret police
Why was the Soviets not liked in Czechoslovakia
The economy was run for the benefits of the soviets
No freedom of speech, TV, radio, newpapers were censored
On Stalins orders the czech government carried out purges
How was the dislike for the Soviets shown at the beginning
Protests against the low standard of living grew, with student demonstrations in 1966
When was Dubcek elected in
1968
What was Dubceks aim when coming in
To make the government more popular whilst staying loyal to the Soviet Union
How was Dubcek going to achieve his aim in Czechoslovakia
By giving people freedom and not making life miserable. He said a communist government should offer socialism with a human face.
The way he would do this is by introducing reforms
What were Dubcek’s reforms
Censorship was relaxed and people could criticise the government
Trade with the West increased
Freedom to travel increased
More power was given to cechs reigonal governments
How did Brezhnev react before the invasion
He could not allow these reforms to continue as it weakened the soviets control
So he created the Brezhnev doctrine. This stated that if any countries started to go back to capitalism then the other communist countries will take action and stop it
When was the Czechoslovakia invasion
20 August 1968
What happened in the invasion of Czechoslovakia
500,000 warsaw Pact troops invadedczechoslovakia
Dubcek urged public not to respond with violence
Dubcek was forced to go to moscow and sign the moscow protocol. Saying he will stay loyal to communism.
What was the US reaction to the invasion of czechoslovakia
America was heavily involved in Vietnam, so could not make further military commitments, also czech was in the soviet sphere of influence.
The US publically disaproved Soviet aggression but gave no military help to the czech people.
What was the Easts reaction to the invasion
There was no formal protests from other ciuntries under soviet control
