Chapter Sixteen Flashcards
What was the Khrushchev era perceived as in its atittude towards EE communism?
Despite attempts at revolution and reform in Poland, Hungary and East Germany the era was viewed as allowing fr differentiation within communism- providing countries remained loyal to the Soviet Union by staying in the Warsaw Pact and maintaining status as single party. Modification in nature of communism were allowed- one reason why Khrushchev conflicted with Mao Zedong (Chinese com demanded more unitary approach), but it did mean that relations with Tito could be improved.
What was the Brehznev era perceived as in its attitude towards communism?
The time in which SU reasserted itelf as leader of communist world. Dissent was repressed and force would be used if necessary to keep countries within Soviet orbit. But policies backfired- 1964-68 movements in most of EE demanding changes in leadership and policies. Wc joined these movements due to poor living conditions.
In which ways was Khrushchev perceived as having failed?
Despite effort to portray them differently, Berlin Crisis and CMC were viewed as failures by party leadership. Domestic policies had also failed to improve standard of living. Brehznev and party insiders planned his removal.
What is Brezhnev’s administration associated with?
He was interested in stabilising SU both internationally and domestically, but was associated with corruption and stagnation. Economic decline, political repression continued- dicontent arose across EE and SU particularly in Czechoslovakia.
What crisis was there in Czechoslovakia in 1968?
Brezhnev believed economic progress was key to stability in Eastern Bloc countries- focused on strengthening economies. In 1963, a negative econ growth was recorded in Czech for the first time, prompting people to reconsider relationship to socialism and Communist party- source of inefficiency and corruption.
What did Professor Ota Sik, Czech economist propose in the 1960s to reform the country (sign that a revolt was to occur)?
End to centrally planned econ targets for country, allowing individ enterprises to function, Com party responsive to public opinion, consumer rights, workforce with more power. In 1966, seeing as the Com party would not agree, Sik argued for pol reform. He gained much support so the Su felt that there needed to be changes in the Czech leadership to maintain com gov.
What happened after January 1968?
Communist party leader Novotny was pressured into resigning by USSR and was replaced by Dudcek. Soviets hoped he would appeal to minority and prevent protest- but in reality, he was a chrismatic advocate of political reform.
Upon his appointment, he states there must be ‘a new start to socialism’.
He began to replace key officials with those who wanted reform, without consulting the Soviets. Amongst reforms he eliminated press censorship.
Which country did Dubcek’s reforms resonate with?
Poland. Coincided with growing student discontent in Poland, and the phrase ‘Poland awaits her own Dubcek’ echoed across the country.
What was the Action Programme?
Announced by Dubcek April 1968. Stated the Communist Party’s determination to achieve socialism according to a distinct Czechoslovak path. Included freedom of speech, press, movement. Freedom for economic enterprises.
Communist party would acknowledge legitimacy of non-party institutions such as trade unions.
This period was known as the Prague Spring
During the Prague Spring, what was the reaction of EE and the Soviets?
Dubcek reassured the Soviets that Czechoslovakia would remain loyal to the Warsaw Pact.
Most EE countries were alarmed. Soviets watched Czech with interest to see how far they would go. Due to no opposition from Soviets, the Czech Com party took things further- ended press censorship, plannied to open borders with West and discussions on trade agreement with West Germany. Did this whilst maintaining Czech was loyal member of socialist order.
What action did the Warsaw Pact take in Czech?
Held meetings and expressed concerns. Letter sent from the Pact to Czech officials, arguing that they were threatening the Socialist movement- could not be tolerated.
What happened running up to the invasion of Czech in August?
Brezhnev and Dubcek met 6 times. Soviets hoped to provoke split in Com party, with pro-Soviet group emerging which they could provide military aid to, however this did not happen.
Brezhnev demanded the reforms be repealed, and Dubcek agreed, however continued liberalising path so the Warsaw Pact forces invaded Czech August 1968.
What were the effects of the invasion of Czech?
No international action- only complaints came from Communist camp. Protests in China and Romania against the invasion.
NATO did not feel threatened.
Invasion undermined possibility that change could be achieved through party-led invasion.
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
- Affirmed the right of the Soviet Union to intervene in the affairs of Communist Countries to strengthen Communism.
Brezhnev believed it was the responsibility of communist states to intervene in order to protect the good of the whole communist community.
What was the impact of the Doctrine in Czech?
Thousands of Czechoslovaks demonstrated on the streets of Prague late 1968.
Difficult for Soviets to find someone to fill in for Dubcek so he remained in power until April 1969. New government was led by Husak conformed to the Soviet line and remained in power until the collapse of Communism in 1989.
Was dependent on Soviet military presence to retain power, and Red Army remained in Czech until 1990.
