Czechoslovakia 1968 Flashcards
(18 cards)
What was the reason for opposition to communism in Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia had been a communist country controlled by moscow since the end of ww2.
In 1968 the Czech people attempted to take control over their lives and create a socialist model of government that guarantees better delivery of goods and services. The attempt is called the Prague Spring.
Communism had been forced upon them
No other political parties were permitted,media was censored and the living standards were poor
Who did Alexander Dubcek replace
Antonin Novotny who a hardline communist leader and was replaced in 1968
What was Dubcek’s idea and what did it entail
In April 1968 Dubeck announced an action plan to deliver ‘Socialism with a human face’ which meant removing state control of the economy and allowing freedom of speech.
He proposed allowing non - communist politicial parties to be set up and to put up candidates for election.
Czechoslovakia would remain in the Warsaw Pact.
More power was given to the regional government and the Czech Parliament,changes made to make economy more market based
How did Brezhnev react to the prauge spring
Brezhnev originally tried to persuade dubcek to change his policy but it didn’t work.He then created the Brezhenev Doctrine and launched a full scale invasion into Czecholslovakia,Dubcek urged the people to not fight back and Dubcek was then summonded to Moscow to sign the Moscow protocol
What is the Brezhenev doctrine
the USSR would not allow the countries of Eastern Europe to reject communism or leave the Warsaw Pact ‘even if it meant a third World War
What was the moscow protocol (the thing dubcek had to sign)
. To reverse the Prague Springs reforms
. To restore strict Communist Party control in Czechoslovakia
. To have soviet military presence to remain in the country
. To keep Dubcek in power but he was replaced in 1969
When did Brezhenev launch his invasion into Czechoslovakia
20th august 1968
What was the Western countries reaction to Czechoslovakia
Widespread condemnation: Western countries, including the USA and Britain, strongly condemned the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
No military action: Despite their disapproval, Western powers did not intervene militarily, as they were already involved in the Vietnam War and wanted to avoid direct conflict with the USSR.
Protests and speeches: Western leaders gave speeches criticizing the USSR, and there were public protests, but no serious action followed.
Cold War tensions increased: The invasion and Western inaction showed that the Soviet Union would use force to control Eastern Europe, and that the West would not interfere in the Soviet sphere of influence
What happened during the Prague spring in Czechoslovakia 1968
Prague spring- czech students started peacefully demonstrated against Novotny’s rule.
Novotny asked Brezhnev for help to crack down the protests and he refused.
What did soviet leader Brezhnev do due to being worried that he was losing Czechoslovakia
soviet leader Brezhnev stated that the USSR will not allow countries of eastern europe to reject communism.
Even if it meant a third world war.
This became the Brezhnev doctrine.
What happened on 20 August 1968 in Czechoslovakia
(Invasion)
Brezhnev sent an invasion force of 50,000 troops of warsaw pact countries into Czechslovakia.
Terrified at fighting those troops the Czechs didn’t fight back.
Dubcek was arrested and taken to moscow.
Gustav husack was installed as the leader of the czechs
What is an example of the Brezhnev Doctrine
Brezhnev originally tried to persuade dubcek to change his policy but it didn’t work.He then created the Brezhenev Doctrine and launched a full scale invasion into Czecholslovakia,Dubcek urged the people to not fight back and Dubcek was then summonded to Moscow to sign the Moscow protocol
How was the West involved in the Prague Springs
The western powers didn’t actively support the Czechs during the prague spring but publicly condemned or criticised USSR’s actions.
The US were heavily involved in the Vietnam war and didnt want to provoke the soviet union.
What was the US involved in heavily during the Prague Springs
The US were heavily involved in the Vietnam war and didnt want to provoke the soviet union.
Did NATO attempt to intervene with Czechoslovakia in 1968
No the NATO allies were determined not to intervene
What did the UN do during Czechoslovakia 1968
United Nations attempted to pass a formal verdict against USSR’s actions but the soviet union blocked them.
What did the BrezhnevDoctrine bring an end to
The Brezhnev doctrine seemed to bring an end to peaceful co-existence.
What was the revival of the cold war a setback for
The revival of coldwar tactics was a setback to international relations and deteriorated further when USSR and US continued to stockpile weapons)
