Prauge spring

• Prague Spring


  Czechoslovakia's attempt to exert some control over their own lives and reform the communist system to create 'socialism with a human face'
• The Prague Spring lasted for four months until it was crushed by the Soviet Red Army
• 'Socialism with a human face'


  Keeping the socialist model of government in Czechoslovakia but guaranteeing a better delivery of goods, services and freedoms to the Czech people
• Causes of the Prague Spring

  • Economic recession
  • Political discontent
  • Declining living standards
• Alexander Dubček


  • Became the new communist leader of Czechoslovakia in 1968
  • Believed communism did not have to be as restrictive
  • Agreed to introduce reforms in April 1968 to provide 'socialism with a human face'
• Reforms introduced in April 1968


  • Less censorship
  • More freedom of speech
  • Legalisation of political opposition groups
  • Reduction in activities of secret police
  • Reintroduction of capitalist elements into the Czech economy
• The reforms led to a greater feeling of hope among the population, known as the 'Prague Spring'
• Dubček stressed that they would remain in the Warsaw Pact and Comecon, but this was not enough to prevent a Soviet invasion
• Brezhnev Doctrine


  The USSR would not allow the countries of Eastern Europe to reject communism, "even if it meant a third World War"
• The Western powers did nothing to actively support the Czechs in their 'Prague Spring', although there was widespread international criticism of Moscow's actions
• The Brezhnev Doctrine seemed to bring an end to peaceful co-existence and revived traditional Cold War tactics, a setback for improving international relations
• The USSR's action in Czechoslovakia suggested that their grip on their satellite states was weakening