What was the Prague Spring? Why was this introduced?
Life in Czechoslovakia was hard, and their was a growing desire of change.
From April 1968, the government released a set of reforms which become known as the ‘Prague Spring’
Who was elected in 1968 by the Czech Communist? Why was he selected? What was his beliefs?
Alexandra Dubcek was elected as the First Secretary. He was selected as it was believed that he could improve popularity and government efficiency. He was a devout communist, believing completely in the Warsaw Pact.
What phrase did Dubcek use? What did he want the Czech public to experience? (3)
The phrase used was ‘socialism with a human face’
He wanted the public to
1. Express their concerns about communism.
2. Raise concerns about their government without facing punishment.
3. Gain access to a better quality of life.
What were the 8 reforms in the Prague Spring in April 1968? (Provide 4)
The Reforms
1. Relaxation of Censorship.
2. More power to local governments.
3. Increased Trade in the west.
4. Reduced government control on the Czech industry.
5. Freedom to critics government without punishment.
6. More power given to trade unions.
7. More opportunities for Czech citizens to travel aboard.
8. Multi party elections to be considered for the future.
How did the Czech public react to the ‘Prague Spring Reforms?’ How did the Soviet Union react? Why did they react this way?
The Czech public were extremely pleased with these reforms.
The Soviet Union did not like Dubcek’s reforms. Brezhnev believed did not want these reforms to encourage other satellite states (as seen with Romania refusing to attend Warsaw Pact meetings)
Who was Leonid Brezhnev? What did he do in October 1964? What did he believe about Khrushchev?
Brezhnev became the Second Secretary in July 1964.
In October 1964, Brezhnev lead a coalition against Khrushchev and became the First Secretary/leader.
He believed that Khrushchev wanted to weaken the Soviet Union, his style was now more similar to Stalin.
What happened in the Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia? Explain. (4)
- On the 28th August 1968, 500,000 soviet troops invade Czech. The troops had been provided by members of the Warsaw Pact.
- The public did not find against these soldiers. They held peaceful protests, a student burned himself to death though.
- Dubcek is arrested and sent to Moscow. The Soviet Union orders him to reverse the Prague Spring.
- Dubcek is then replaced by Husak. They reinforce soviet power and arrest thousands.
How did the US react to the invasion? What did the UN try to do? Why did the USA react like this?
The USA strongly protested about the invasion.
The UN tried to pass a formal verdict against the Soviet Union, but they blocked it from passing.
The USA did not take military action as they were engaged in a costly war. They wanted to form closer relations (Détente). They spoke out but took 0 action.
What were the causes and consequences of the Soviet Reactions to the Prague Spring? (3 for each)
Causes
1. Low living standards in Czechoslovakia.
2. The influence of Romania and Yugoslavia.
3. Dubcek and ‘socialism with a human face’
Consequences
1. Suppression of the Czech public and Husak appointed.
2. No military action against the Soviets by USA.
3. The creation of the Brezhnev Doctrine in September 1968.
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine and why was it Introduced? (3 reasons)
The Doctrine was introduced due to
1. The Soviet Union repressing Hungary.
2. Yugoslavia breaking away from the Soviet Union.
3. The Prague Spring and how Brezhnev now had to re assert power.
The Doctrine listed the expectations of the Warsaw Pact.
What were the 3 core beliefs in in Brezhnev Doctrine?
- The action of a communist country affects the reputation of all communist countries.
- The Warsaw Pact meant that it is the responsibility of all communist countries to protect against a single countries actions. Must be wiling to stop one country causing damage to communism.
- Reforms in one country would cause reforms to be spread and damage communism. Instead, Communist countries should be able to fight against such reforms.
How did the East react to Brezhnev’s Doctrine? What happened in France and Italy?
Pro Soviet leaders in the East welcomed the new Doctrine. They were pleased as it set clear consequences as they were facing resistance.
However, some countries pulled away from the Soviet Union, and condemned these actions ( Yugoslavia and Romania)
France and Italy communist parties cut of all ties with the Soviets.
How did the West React to Brezhnev’s Doctrine? How did the USA react and why did they react this way?
It concerned Western Powers, as it reinforced the supremacy of the soviet union and communism in Europe. Increased the threat and power of Soviet Union.
The USA did not want to fight the soviet Union. The power of them scared the USA, and instead they wanted to improve relations. (Detente)
Why by the 1970’s did the two superpowers require a détente?
The USA and Soviet Union could not allow threats to increase like the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The threat could lead to nuclear warfare, and fulfil the threat of MAD.
Trust needed to be gained by the two countries.
When did Nixon come into office? What problems did he face when coming into office? (3)
Nixon came into office in 1968.
Problems
1. The USA was in a large amount of debt due to the Vietnam War.
2. 60,000 soldiers had died in the conflict.
3. Mass protests were held to withdraw troops from the Vietnam War.
What was happening in the USA when Nixon came into office? (Racial Ideas.)
The USA was experiencing severe racial tensions.
Multiple black riots were occurring throughout the USA. Furthermore, the assassination of MLK increased tension.
What was the economic issues of the Soviet Union near the end of the 1960s? What were living conditions like? What did the Soviets see in the US by the 1970s?
The economy was very poor, and the Five Year Plan did not help. They had a very poor quality of consumer goods.
Houses were unsafe, harsh and dangerous working conditions.
By the 1970s, the Soviets saw an opportunity to improve relations with the US.
What was ‘Ostpolitik’? How was the process of Détente marked? (Give a year?)
In 1969, Ostpolitik developed into the concept of pursuing a better relationship with East Germany.
In 1973, Nixon sent his security advisor to the Soviet Union, showing how they wanted to improve relations. Marking the start of Détente.
What does ‘SALT’ stand for? What is the aims of SALT? When was an agreement made on ‘SALT 1?’
SALT stands for Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty.
It aimed too reduce the amount of types of Nuclear Weapons available to the Soviet Union and USA.
SALT 1 was signed on 26th May 1972. After years of negotiation.
What were the 3 terms in SALT 1? (Can you explain them?)
- The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty agreed to restriction of these missiles, leading to 100ABMs across two sites.
- The Interim Treaty placed limitations on how many ICBMs and Submarines the Soviets and USA could have, reducing the amount.
- The Basic Principle of Agreements was introduced, meaning actions could avoid nuclear warfare. The treaty set out rules if conflict occurred.
What were two strengths of SALT 1?
- SALT 1 showed the first attempt to slow down the arms race.
- It showed that the USA and Soviet Union could cooperate.
What were the two weaknesses of SALT 1?
- It was unrealistic to expect both countries to follow certain principles.
- Did not restrict new technology like Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicles (MIRVs).
What were the 3 terms of SALT 2?
- To reduce nuclear weapons until 1985.
- To ban further development of new nuclear weapons.
- To ensure the USA and the Soviet Union had equal limits of strategic bombers and missile launchers
Who was SALT 2 signed by? When was it signed? When did one individual come to power?
SALT two was signed by Carter and Brezhnev on 18th June 1979.
Carter became president of the US in 1977.
