1968 Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia

Question 1

What was the Prague Spring?

Answer 1

Czechoslovakia had been under strict communist rule and living standards had fallen. In 1968 Alexander Dubcek became the leader and promised a set of reforms
known as ‘socialism with a human face’: freedom of speech, more democracy and more capitalism. People in Czechoslovakia welcomed the new freedoms and the period
was known as the ‘Prague Spring’.

Question 2

What happened as a result of the Prague Spring?

Answer 2

The USSR, and other Eastern European countries, were concerned these changes would spread and weaken soviet control. In August 1968 they invaded and replaced Dubcek with a strict communist.

Question 3

What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?

Answer 3

Brezhnev, the leader of the USSR, said they had the right to invade any country that threatened the unity of the communist countries of Eastern Europe.

Question 4

What was the international reaction to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia?

Answer 4

The US condemned the invasion but did nothing to support Czechoslovakia
Some communist countries, Yugoslavia and Romania, were upset about the invasion and broke off relations with the USSR.