Czechoslovakia 1968 and Poland 1970 Flashcards
What was Czechoslovakia’s situation in 1963?
In 1963 Czechoslovakia recorded negative growth and the Five Year Plan was abandoned. Economist Ota Sik proposed the Planning Commission set long term plans and provide enterprise with freedom, economic and political reform required.
When was Novotny removed and what reform did Dubcek issue?
Antonin Novotny was a repressive leader in Czechoslovakia. In March 1968 Alexander Dubcek was introduced to leadership. There would be freedom of expression and travel, and a market economy – socialism with a human face. Censorship was ended and Stalinist Czechoslovakia exposed
What was Moscow’s initial response to Dubcek?
In Summer 1968 Red Army manoeuvres were made. Dubcek removed orthodox party officials with reformists.
What happened in Poland?
Poland made demands for similar reform with a mass meeting at Warsaw University in defence of democracy. They argued free speech defended by Polish Constitution, but as students left, police chased them with dozens of arrests. Hundreds of students were expelled and 13,000 emigrated.
What new organisations rose from Dubcek’s new leniency?
10 April 1968 Action Program to make Communist Party compete for influence. Club K-231 gained standing, an organisation of political prisoners.
When did the USSR intervene in Prague?
In July Kosygin, Brezhnev, and the Politburo arrived with renewed demands of censorship and a change in personnel. On August 21 Prague Airport was seized by Soviet paratroopers. By morning Prague was taken over by tanks. 500,000 of the Warsaw Pact came. Dubcek told citizens not to be provocative.
What did Brezhnev issue in response to Prague Spring?
Brezhnev issued the Brezhnev Doctrine committing to use force with attempts to leave the Warsaw Pact.
What were results of the Prague Spring?
Due to fear of nuclear war, NATO forces did not intervene. The Soviet-Czechoslovak document signed on 4 August 1968 promising inviolable borders was broken. Increased opposition to Communism revived.
What protest occurred after the Prague Spring?
Students held a nation-wide sit in strike on 17 November 1968 and Gustav Husak, on entering power April 1969, committed to issue reforms to bring students under party control.
How was Gomulka removed in Poland?
In Poland, December 1970, Gomulka’s government announced 40% increases on prices of basic foodstuffs. At Gdansk port, workers refused a return to normal strike on TV and continued protest, with an underestimated death toll of 44. Gomulka was forced to retire.
How did Gierek end Polish protest?
Eduard Gierek became the new leader and travelled to Gdansk shipyards, identifying with workers from his own working class origin. Protests at Lodz made the government withdraw prince increases and the workers resumed.
How did Lech Walesa rise?
Concerns over bureaucratic trade unions led to demands for their independence and Lech Walesa emerged.
