Prague Spirng / Czechoslovakia Flashcards
In Czechoslovakia there was
Growing extent of discontent over the amount of external control over Czechoslovakia affairs.In 1956 there were protestors over the lack of free speech in the country.
In January 1968
Alexander Dubcek became leader of the communist party in Czechoslovakia.
Dubcek wanted Czechoslovakia to
Follow it’s own version of communism
In April 1968 Dubcek
Introduced a set of reforms that went against the Soviet Style of Communism
Dubcek’s reforms were
Travel to the West was allowed.
The border with West Germany was reopened.
All industry was decentralised.
Trade unions and workers were given more power.
Freedom of speech was allowed.
Many of Dubcek’s reforms were aimed to improve
The performance of Czechoslovakiaks economy - by partly developing closer relations with the west.
The USSR tolerated
Dubcek’s reforms for 4 months
Although some of Dubcek’s reforms went away the Communist policy he
Remained a communist and promised that Czechoslovaka would stay in the Warsaw Pact and remain a loyal ally to Moscow.
The leader of the USSR Brezhnev was worried that Dubcek’s reforms would
Lead to a rejection of communism in the Eastern Bloc and USSR itself.If Czechoslovakia pulled away others might follow.
Why were the USSR concerned over Dubcek’s reforms
They had less control over Czechoslovakia
What was the final thing that triggered a Soviet response.
In August 1968, President of Yugoslavia visited Czechoslovakia.Yugoslavia had refused to accept USSR’S version of communsim.It became clear to Brezhnev that Czechoslovakia was no longer loyal to USSR.The USSR also recieved letters from communists in Hungary asking for help.
The USSR invaded Czechoslovakia in August 1968
On 21st August 500,000 soviet troops invaded Czechoslovakia.Czechoslovakia respnded with peaceful protestsI. january 1968 a student burnt humself alive in the street of a protest.
In April 1969
Dubcek was forcily removed from office and replaced by Gustav Husak.He was loyal to Soviet style communism and would ensure that Czechoslovakia would remain a loyal ally to Moscow.
Brezhnev used Prague Spring to
Establish his authority in the Eastern Bloc.He also proved he was a strong and determined leader to the USA.
Brezhnev Doctrine
After the invasion, Brezhnev announced that in the future the USSR would intervene in any country where communism was under threat.
Brezhnev Doctrine was importsnt as it strengthened USSR’s control over over satellite states.
Sent a message to Eastern Bloc that giving up communism wasn’t an option.
