Prague Spring

• What was the political and economic situation in Czechoslovakia since 1948?

  • Czechoslovakia was under communist control
  • It was a loyal satellite state to the Soviet Union
  • Generally supported party officials
• When did the first signs of easing change appear in Czechoslovakia?

  1963
• What reforms were introduced in Czechoslovakia in 1963 and the 1960s?

  • Czechoslovak Communist Party sanctioned a Writers Conference devoted to Franz Kafka
  • Economic reforms empowered local managers
  • Priority given to goods wanted by customers
• What reforms did professor Otis Seek propose in the 1960s to improve the economy?

  • Communist party responsive to public opinion
  • Existence of consumer rights
  • Work force having more power to replace managers
  • End to centrally planned economic targets
• What year did Seek advocate for political reform in Czechoslovakia?

  1966
• What was the reaction to Seek's political reforms in Czechoslovakia?

  • Gained support from intellectuals and students
  • Later reached the wider public
  • Recognized by the Soviet Union that leadership changes were required
• Who was the leader of the Czechoslovak Communist Party who was facing criticism in 1967?

  President Antonín Novotný
• What events led to the resignation of President Antonín Novotný?

  • Failure in half-hearted reforms leading to economic decline
  • Criticism from within his own party
  • Novotný invited Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev to visit Prague
  • Upon witnessing dissatisfaction, Brezhnev orchestrated Novotný's resignation
• Who replaced President Antonín Novotný as the leader of the Communist Party?

  Alexander Dubček
• What did Dubček's political reform movement become known as?

  Socialism with a human face
• What actions did Dubček take as part of the Prague Spring?

  • Replaced key officials without consulting the Kremlin
  • Announced the Action Program in April 1968
  • Eased censorship
  • Curbed the power of the secret police
  • Transitioned to free elections over ten years
  • Improved relationship with Western powers
  • Recognized the State of Israel
  • Increased independence for enterprises
  • Gave more autonomy to the Slovak minority
• How did Dubček's reforms affect the role of the Communist Party?

  • The Communist Party continued its leading role
  • Acknowledged legitimacy of trade unions
  • Allowed new associations like Club K23, comprised of former political prisoners
• What were the outcomes of the growing appetite for change in Czechoslovakia between April and August 1968?

  • All press censorship was ended
  • Plans to open borders with the West
  • Trade agreements made with West Germany
• What assurance did Dubček give to Moscow regarding Czechoslovakia's role?

  Czechoslovakia would remain a loyal member of the Warsaw Pact
• What happened at the Warsaw Pact meeting held on July 4-15?

  • Leaders of the USSR, Bulgaria, East Germany, Hungary, and Poland met
  • Expressed concerns over reforms in Czechoslovakia
  • Sent a letter arguing that challenges to socialism within one country were not tolerated
• What was the Soviet strategy during the meetings between Brezhnev and Dubček?

  • Hoped to cause a split in the Czechoslovak government by supporting a pro-Soviet faction
  • This did not occur
  • Brezhnev attempted to coerce Dubček into reversing reforms, which he refused
• When did the Warsaw Pact forces invade Czechoslovakia?

  August 20-21, 1968
• In what year did Albania withdraw from the Warsaw Pact?

  1968
• What countries participated in the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia?

  • USSR
  • Poland
  • Hungary
  • Bulgaria
  • Romania refused to participate
  • Albania refused to participate
• Why did Albania and Romania refuse to participate in the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia?

  • Romania sided with Dubček
  • Albania's Maoist leadership under Enver Hoxha refused to support the invasion
• How did the USSR's actions in Czechoslovakia affect international relations?

  • Brezhnev did not intervene in Albania due to its economic and military insignificance
  • No significant international action against the USSR
  • Opposition only from China and Romania
  • US reluctant to intervene due to the Vietnam War and pursuit of an arms control treaty
• When did significant reforms return to Czechoslovakia?

  Right at the end of the Cold War
• What were the consequences of the Soviet invasion for the Czechoslovakian population?

  • 300,000 people fled the country
  • Others were forced under an oppressive government
  • Jan Palach self-immolated in protest, causing major demonstrations
• What was the political situation in Czechoslovakia since 1948?

  It was under communist control.
• How did the Soviet Union view Czechoslovakia?

  Czechoslovakia was a loyal satellite state.
• When did the first signs of change in Czechoslovakia appear?

  In 1963.
• What event in May 1963 indicated a change in Czechoslovakia?

  A Writers Conference was sanctioned.
• Who was the writer featured in the 1963 conference?

  Franz Kafka.
• What economic issue did Czechoslovakia face in the 1960s?

  The economy was failing.
• What reforms did economist Otis Seek propose?

  Reforms for a responsive Communist Party.
• What was one of Seek's proposed reforms regarding the workforce?

  Workers should have more power.
• What did Seek argue for in 1966?

  Political reform.
• Who initially supported Seek's reform movement?

  Intellectuals and students.
• Who was blamed for the economic decline by the end of 1967?

  President Antonin Novotny.
• What did Novotny do in response to criticism?

  Invited Soviet leader Brezhnev to visit.
• Who replaced Novotny as the leader of the Communist Party?

  Alexander Dubcek.
• What was Dubcek's vision for socialism?

  Socialism with a human face.
• What did Dubcek do that escalated the Prague Spring?

  Replaced key officials without consulting the Kremlin.
• What did Dubcek announce in April 1968?

  The action program for reforms.
• What was one of the key reforms in Dubcek's action program?

  Easing of censorship.