Czechoslovakia, 1968-69 Flashcards
What was the Czech public reaction to communist party?
They were not supporters and led protests.
Who was elected as First secretary of Czech communist party in 1968?
Alexander Dubcek.
What was Dubcek’s views on communism?
Dubcek was committed to the Warsaw Pact and a devoted Communist.
What did Dubcek feel communism is?
He felt is was the right political path but shouldn’t make life miserable. A communist government should offer ‘socialism with a human face’.
What was Prague Spring?
Dubcek takes power in Czechoslovakia and attempts to bring about reform.
Who is the new Soviet leader?
Brezhnev (replaced Khrushchev in 1968).
What was Brezhnev’s reaction?
He disapproved of many of Dubcek’s reforms.
How did Brezhnev try to keep control of Dubcek?
By keeping contact to remind him not to go too far with his reforms. And sent troops to carry out manoeuvres to threaten him.
When did Brezhnev decide to take action?
When Dubcek invited Ceausescu of Romania and Tito of Yugoslavia to Prague.
What happened on 20 August 1968
500,000 Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia and ended the ‘Prague Spring’.
What were the West views on the invasion?
Saw Brezhnev’s actions as an aggressive attempt to dominate another European country.
What was Brezhnev doctrine?
If one country’s actions threaten other countries, then it was the duty of those countries to take action against them. (Saying all Communist countries can’t bring reforms that make the country more liberal.
Impact of in Czechoslovakia after invasion?
Invasion ended ‘Prague Spring’. Authorities soon put back to ‘normal’.
Impact of invasion on relations between other communist countries?
- Yugoslavia/Romania- condemned soviets actions.
- Communist parties of Italy/France cut links to Moscow.
- East Germany/Poland welcomed Brezhnev actions
Impact of invasion on US and Soviets relations?
- US government outraged.
- Attempt to pass formal resolution condemning invasion in united nations, but vetoed by Soviets.
