The Prague Spring Flashcards
How did the Czech people begin to show their anger?
There were many protests throughout the 1960s. In 1966, there was a wave of student led protests in Prague.
Who was the new leader of Czechoslovakia in 1968?
Alexander Dubcek
What kind of communism did Dubcek want in Czechoslovakia?
Communism with a ‘human face’ - He wanted more freedoms fo the people and more contact with the West.
What change did Dubcek introduce to Czechoslovakia as part of the Prague Spring? (4 points)
The Action Programme:
- Free trials
- More political freedom with other political parties having a say
- Free travel to non communist countries
- Free press and freedom of speech
Why was the Soviet leader, Brezhnev, worried about these reforms?
He feared they might bring down communism across Eastern Europe
What eventually happened on 20th August, 1968?
The USSR and Warsaw pact forces invaded with 200,000 troops and 5,000 tanks
What was the Brezhnev Doctrine that was developed because of events in Czechoslovakia?
To use force to stop any country that was acting in a way that might cause communism to fall.
Why was the USA in a difficult position to take meaningful action against the USSR
Their economy was in bad condition.
East Europe was under the influence of the USSR, so it was very difficult for the USA to do anything. After the other crises of the 1960s the USA were also reluctant to push the USSR further.
