Collapse Of Communism

Question 1

Why was the Soviet Union worried about developments in Czechoslovakia in 1968

Answer 1

• 1968, Dubeck came to power + implanted the Prague Spring
• allowed freedom of speech, ability to travel to West etc.
• terms of Prague Spring were going against communism + could be a similar case to HU in 1956
• 21st August 1968, Soviet tanks invaded Czechoslovakia
• to show that they were not afraid to take action if socialism was threatened

Question 2

What did solidarity demand

Answer 2

• right to strike

* to be consulted on major decisions concerning their living and working conditions

Question 3

What were Gorbachev’s policies

Answer 3

Glastnost( freedom+openness):
• political prisoners released
• people were told about atrocities committed by Stalin
• freedom of speech

Perestroika (economic restructuring):
• wanted to make the Soviet system of central planning of production more efficient

Question 4

Describe the Soviet response to events in Hungary in 1956

Answer 4

• Soviet tanks invaded Hungary
• 20,000 were killed
• Nagy was arrested + hung
• USSR vetoed draft revolution calling for them to withdraw their tanks