Czechoslovakia and the Prague Spring

Czechoslovakia and the Prague Spring

1. Brezhnev

   • Leader of the USSR
   • Brezhnev Doctrine
     • Was introduced to enforce that the Soviet Union could use force at any time.
       • Also stated that countries should have 1) a one-party system and 2) remain part of the Warsaw Pact

2. Leaders

   • Novotny
     • Unpopular
       • Forced to retire due to unpopularity
   • Dubcek
     • 1967
       • "Socialism with a human face"

3. Events

   • "Socialism with a human face"
     • Dubcek wanted things like less censorship, more freedom of speech and reduction of use of the secret police.
       • However he did not want to leave the Warsaw Pact
   • The Prague Spring
     • After Dubcek's policy, people started to test the freedom they had. Intellectuals started to attack communist officials
     • Known as this because new ideas kept springing up everywhere.
   • Action taken by the West
     • USSR became suspicious of Czechoslovakia
       • Because it was centrally placed and might spread across other countries.
         • They tried to slow Dubcek down
     • In July, a summit conference took place. Dubcek agreed not to allow another party but insisted on keeping his other reforms.
       • In August, all the Warsaw Pact countries declared that Czech was to maintain political stability
     • On August 20th 1968, Soviet Troops moved into Czechoslovakia
       • Little violent action taken by the Czechs
         • Many simply stood in front of tanks and presented flowers to soldiers
           • Dubcek was removed from power
             • 47 Czechs arrested
   • People in Czechoslovakia were worried that in years to come their wages would get worse and things would never improve.