Czechoslovakia 1968 Flashcards
What and when was the Prague Spring?
The Prague Spring (April 1968) was a series of reforms introduced by Alexander Dubcek to the country of Czechoslovakia.
Why did Alexander Dubcek introduce the Prague Spring?
He believed that Communism was the right political path; but it shouldn’t make life miserable, and he thought citizens should be able to freely express their views and speak out against the Communist party without fear. This was known as “Socialism with a human face”.
What were the Prague Spring Reforms?
- Censorship was relaxed and criticism of government actions was allowed.
- Trade with the West was increased.
- Czech people were given greater freedom to travel abroad
- The idea of multi-party elections was discussed, but Dubcek emphasised it would not happen for many years.
What was the reaction?
The Czechs were pleased with these reforms but Brezhnev disapproved, as he thought the other Warsaw Pact nations would do the same thing, meaning he would lose power over them.
What did the Soviets do?
After Dubcek invited the Romanian and Yougslav leaders for talks, Brezhnev ordered 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops to invade Czechoslovakia (20 August 1968). The Czechs offered little resistance and ultimately very little could be done.
What were the consequences?
Dubcek was arrested and forced to reverse his reforms. Gustav Husak replaced him as Czechoslovakian leader and he introduced a clampdown which meant the Czechs spent the next 20 years under Soviet approved Communist rule.
Brezhnev Doctrine was introduced, the rest of the world saw Brezhnev as an aggresor.
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?
The Brezhnev Doctrine stated that Communist countries had the right to act upon other Communist countries’ actions.
