Prague Spring

Question 1

What was the Prague Spring and when did it happen?

Answer 1

Prague Spring was a period of political reform in Czechoslovakia in 1968, led by Alexander Dubček, who wanted to create “socialism with a human face”.

Question 2

What changes did Dubček try to introduce?

Answer 2

More freedom of speech and press
• More democracy (less control by the Communist Party)
• More freedom to travel
• A relaxed economy with some capitalist ideas

Question 3

How did the USSR respond?

Answer 3

A:
In August 1968, the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia with 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops to stop the reforms. Dubček was removed from power.

Question 4

Why was the Prague Spring significant?

Answer 4

It showed the USSR would not tolerate reforms in Eastern Europe.
• It led to the Brezhnev Doctrine — the USSR would use force to maintain communist control.
• It worsened East–West relations, though the USA didn’t intervene (they were busy with the Vietnam War).