Czechoslovakia Flashcards
Who challenged and succeeded Antonin Novotny for communist party leader? (1968)
Alexander Dubcek
Good allies with the new Russian leader Leonid Brezhnev (Khrushchev fell in 1964)
He wanted to get rid of communist oppression and reform the economy - still being communist
What was Czechoslovakia after the war?
A USSR satellite state, run by brutal secret police.
The economy and standard of living were poor and declining
What was the Prague spring? (1968)
The changes brought on by Dubcek (named after the capital). He created ‘socialism with a human face’
What reforms did Dubcek introduce?
Relaxation of the press
Legalisation of political opponents
Toleration of political criticism (freedom of speech)
Regional governments given more power
‘Market socialism’ - capitalist elements in economy
He wanted as much democracy as possible
What was Brezhnev’s response to the Prague spring? (1968)
After trying to persuade his friend Dubcek to take away the reforms, he ordered a full scale invasion of Czechoslovakia to overthrow Dubcek
What was the Brezhnev doctrine? (1968)
A justification of his attacks on Czechoslovakia
He declared that the USSR have the right to invade any Warsaw Pact country if their actions appear threatening to the soviet rule and communism
What happened during the invasion of Czechoslovakia? (1968)
The people of Czechoslovakia peacefully protested and used non violent disobedience. Many were killed.
Dubcek was arrested and forced to sign Moscow protocol, reintroducing censorship and removing opposition
How did the west (USA) respond to the invasion? (1968)
Publicly condemned the invasion however provided no physical response to the USSR because the USA were preoccupied with Vietnam and they just recently began detente
How did Eastern Europe respond to the invasion? (1968)
Romania and Yugoslavia condemned the invasion and made alliances with communist china
Poland and East Germany welcomed it, being concerned that Czechoslovakia were being to liberal (a wise political move to protect themselves)
