The Prague spring

• Who was the hard-line Communist dictator of Czechoslovakia before 1968?

  Antonin Novotny
• What was the role of the secret police force (the StB) in Czechoslovakia under Novotny?

  It enforced the regime's policies and suppressed dissent
• What was the economic condition of Czechoslovakia before the Prague Spring?

  The economy was doing badly with a low standard of living
• Who was chosen as the new Communist leader of Czechoslovakia in 1967?

  Alexander Dubcek
• What did Dubcek aim to create in Czechoslovakia?

  A more humane, popular form of Communism known as Socialism with a human face
• What period is referred to as the Prague Spring?

  The period starting in April 1968
• What changes occurred in Czechoslovakia during the Prague Spring regarding press censorship?

  Press censorship was relaxed, allowing criticism of the government
• How were political opposition groups treated during the Prague Spring?

  They were legalized, allowing formation to oppose government policies
• What was one significant proposal made during the Prague Spring regarding political parties?

  There was talk of allowing a second political party to be legalized
• What was one of the reforms made during the Prague Spring regarding local governance?

  More power was given to Parliament and local government
• What freedoms were granted to individuals during the Prague Spring?

  People were allowed to set up small businesses
• Which notable artists criticized Communism during the Prague Spring?

  Vaclav Havel and Milan Kundera
• How did Dubcek's approach during the Prague Spring differ from Nagy's in Hungary in 1956?

  Dubcek did not try to leave the Warsaw Pact or force the Soviet army to leave
• What did Dubcek promise during the Prague Spring that was different from Nagy's promises?

  He promised free elections and other political parties immediately
• What actions did Brezhnev take to address Dubcek's reforms between April and July 1968?

  He tried to persuade Dubcek he was going too far and sent Warsaw Pact soldiers for manoeuvres
• When did the invasion of Czechoslovakia occur?

  20 August 1968
• How did the people of Czechoslovakia respond to the invasion?

  There was very little resistance to the soldiers
• What happened to Dubcek after the invasion?

  He was arrested and taken to Moscow
• What document did Dubcek have to sign after his arrest?

  The Moscow Protocol
• What act of protest did Jan Palach commit in January 1969?

  He set himself on fire in the main square in Prague
• What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?

  The USSR has the right to invade any country in Eastern Europe if their actions threaten the security of other communist countries
• Why did the USSR feel threatened by Czechoslovakia's reforms?

  They could encourage movements against Communism in every Eastern European country
• What was the Soviet concern regarding the Warsaw Pact countries?

  If one country broke away from Communism, it would spread to all Communist countries
• Who replaced Dubcek after he was demoted?

  Gustav Husak
• How did Western governments react to the invasion of Czechoslovakia?

  The invasion was condemned by western governments
• What was America's response to the invasion of Czechoslovakia?

  America did nothing except condemn the invasion
• How did the invasion affect Western Communist parties?

  They were shocked at what had happened
• What was the impact of the invasion on young student protestors in the West?

  They began to see the USSR as evil as well as the USA
• How did Yugoslavia and Romania respond to the invasion?

  They condemned the invasion and sought closer relations with China
• What was Tito's stance regarding Soviet control in Yugoslavia?

  Tito refused to allow Yugoslavia to join the Warsaw Pact or take orders from the Soviets
• What was the relationship between China and the USSR by the time of the invasion?

  China and the USSR were rivals rather than allies
• What was the main reason for the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the USSR?

  To maintain control over Eastern Europe and prevent the spread of reforms