The Prague Spring

• 1.At the end of WW2, the Soviet established a pro-Soviet government under Klement Gottwald.
• 2. There was no freedom of speech and the government carried out purges between 1949 and 1954.
• 3. Economic and political problems led to student demonstrations in 1966.
• 4. In 1968, Alexander Dubcek became leader.
• 5. He believed the government should offer ‘socialism with a human face’.
• 6. He started offering reforms like relaxed censorship, increased powers for trade unions, and increased trade with the West. This became known as the ‘Prague Spring’.
• 7. The Soviet leader, Brezhnev, became concerned and ordered Warsaw Pact troops to carry out manoeuvres in Czechoslovakia.
• 8. When Dubcek invited Ceausescu of Romania and Tito of Yugoslavia to Prague, Brezhnev ordered an invasion.
• 9. On 20 August 1968, 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia and ended the ‘Prague Spring’. Having learnt from Hungary’s previous experience, Dubcek told the Czech people not to fight back.
• 10. Dubcek was arrested and sent to Moscow.
• Who established a pro-Soviet government in Czechoslovakia after WW2?

  Klement Gottwald
• What was the state of freedom of speech in Czechoslovakia between 1949 and 1954?

  There was no freedom of speech
• What led to student demonstrations in Czechoslovakia in 1966?

  Economic and political problems
• Who became the leader of Czechoslovakia in 1968?

  Alexander Dubcek
• What was Dubcek's vision for the government?

  Socialism with a human face
• What reforms did Dubcek implement during the Prague Spring?

  Relaxed censorship and increased trade with the West
• What was the significance of the term 'Prague Spring'?

  It referred to Dubcek's reforms in Czechoslovakia
• Why did Brezhnev become concerned in 1968?

  He was worried about Dubcek's reforms
• What action did Brezhnev take in response to Dubcek's reforms?

  Ordered Warsaw Pact troops to manoeuvre
• What happened when Dubcek invited Ceausescu and Tito to Prague?

  Brezhnev ordered an invasion
• When did the Warsaw Pact troops invade Czechoslovakia?

  20 August 1968
• How many Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia?

  500,000 troops
• What was Dubcek's advice to the Czech people during the invasion?

  Not to fight back
• What happened to Dubcek after the invasion?

  He was arrested and sent to Moscow