Prague Spring Czechoslovakia 1968 Flashcards
Background Information
Causes
Czechoslovakia one of the last places to fall to Communist forces in Eastern Europe
Country had long tradition with democracy and western influence strong in region
Although more moderate Communist party began to behave similar to other Eastern nations
Packed Civil Servant positions with communist party members – removed other parties
Instituted a secret police to ensure that individuals remained within Soviet sphere
Suppressed civil liberties and personal freedoms within the country – strong censorship
Poor economy and lack of good housing in region only made the situation worse in the nation
Lack of innovation and progress in farming as well – command economy
1956 similar to Hungary and Poland a wave of revolutionary activity broke out - nothing
From 1953 on Czechoslovakia under leadership of Anthony Novotny – hardline communist
1960s discontent developed primarily because of economic conditions
Economic growth and standard of living had fallen
Course of Revolutionary Activity
Student demonstrations began in 1967 demanding an end to leadership of Novotny
He would be forced down and leadership would began to emerge interested in change
Early 1968 Progressive Communist members began to liberalize Czech life
Under Leader – Alexander Dubcek – desired to create “socialism with human face”
Called for changes to constitution, more democracy and more personal freedoms
Initiated a series of reforms – increased debate, freedom of expression, less censorship
Also called upon for reforms to the economy, freedom to travel abroad, curbing of secret police
At same time promised Moscow they had no intention of leaving Warsaw Pact or Comecon
Short period of liberliazation was known as Prague Spring
Increasingly people took to streets to discuss discontent and issues with party and USSR
More and more papers began to openly criticize government and harsh way of life
Although initially did not react, Warsaw Pact forces began to conduct manouvers in area
Effects of Prague Spring
August 20 - Warsaw Pact forces would invade nation
Military did not offer up much resistance at the time
Dubcek was removed from his position within the party
Replaced by pro-Soviet again – Gustav Husak
No more movement for reform in Czechoslovakia until 20 years later
Brezhnev Doctrine declared immediately after Warsaw Pact invades
Right of Soviet Union to intervene militarily in Europe to maintain communism
Brought strong reaction from both Communist countries (China) and West
Reforms reversed
Lyndon Johnson will call on Soviet forces to withdraw but will not offer support
US too occupied in Vietnam to provide much assistance (see Containment)
Significance of Prague Spring
Last time that the Soviet Union would intervene in Eastern Europe by force
USSR would be unwilling to allow any of its members any sort of reform
Also any talks of leaving Warsaw Pact would be ended- important to survival
Reaffirmed for West that democracy did not exist in the East (seen with tanks)
Would result in a division with members of other communist nations
Showed the way forward would likely come from within the communist party
Brezhnev Doctrine would be overturned by Gorbachev Doctrine 20 years later
