The Prague Spring, 1968 Flashcards
(11 cards)
Who was the leader of Czechoslovakia in 1960?
Antonin Novtny, he was corrupt
Who called for reforms and when?
A Czech economist, Ota Sik called for economic reform mid-1960
Who called for reform and when?
A Czech economist named Ota Sik called for economic reform
What did economic reforms did Ota Sik recommend?
- less central control of the economy and the lifiting of the ban on private business
- rights for consumers
- more power for ordinary workers
- the gov should be more ready to listen to peoples concerns
What was the USSRs response to the first recommendations?
They rejected the suggestions
What happened in 1966?
Sik called for full political reform. His ideas grew in popularity. Moscow realised change was needed
Who was Novotny replaced by and when?
In Jan 1968 Novotny was forced to resign and was replaced by Alexander Dubcek
What did Dubcek introduce?
-the political reforms taking the Soviets by surprise
- removed state controls on industry, allowing Czechs to run their own businesses
- allowed public meetings and freedom of speech
- ended press censorship
-gave Czechs the right to visit non-communist countries
Did Dubcek still want Czechoslovakia to be communist?
The Communist party retained their power but other organisations such as trade unions were allowed to form. But pledged total loyalty to the Warsaw pack. Moscow was uneasy
What was this radical change called?
Prague Spring movement
