Prague Spring Flashcards
Causes of the Prague Spring
In January 1968, communist hard-liner Antonin Novotny was replaced by the more moderate Alexander Dubcek as leader of the Czech Communist Party. Novotny had resigned in the face of demonstrations demanding civil rights and improved living
conditions.
Dubcek agreed to introduce a series of reforms including freedom of the press, less centralised economic control and a reduction in the power of the secret police.
Dubcek wanted Czechoslovakia to remain communist, but argued that for this to happen reforms would be needed.
His reforms were met with widespread approval
The Soviet Response?
The new Soviet leader, Brezhnev feared that any reforms in Czechoslovakia would be copied by other Eastern European countries and would ultimately result in the destruction of the Iron Curtain.
In July 1968, East Germany, Poland, Hungary and the Soviet Union announced that they would hold military exercises near the Czechoslovak border.
On the 3rd August, a meeting of the Warsaw Pact appeared to result in a reconciliation between the Warsaw Pact leaders and the Czechoslovak leadership.
Explain the invasion of Czechoslovakia
21st August, 1968, Czechoslovakia was invaded by members of the Warsaw Pact in response to an apparent letter from Czechoslovak communists asking for help.
400,000 Warsaw Pact troops were sent but in reality it was a predominantly Soviet force.
In order to avoid bloodshed, and having learned from the experience of Hungary, the Czech government ordered its armed forces not to resist the invasion and the civilian population only to partake in PASSIVE RESISTANCE.
Explain the invasion of Czechoslovakia
21st August, 1968, Czechoslovakia was invaded by members of the Warsaw Pact in response to an apparent letter from Czechoslovak communists asking for help.
400,000 Warsaw Pact troops were sent but in reality it was a predominantly Soviet force.
In order to avoid bloodshed, and having learned from the experience of Hungary, the Czech government ordered its armed forces not to resist the invasion and the civilian population only to partake in PASSIVE RESISTANCE.
What was the response from the West
The US was focused on the continuing war in Vietnam, and accepted that there was no point in trying to intervene in events behind the Iron Curtain.
They were also keen not to damage the recent improvement in relations between East and West that became known as
détente.
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine
Brezhnev justified his actions in Czechoslovakia by arguing that it was the duty of communist countries to act together to prevent another communist state from turning to capitalism.
