Jan-Aug 1968
Prague Spring was a brief period of hope and liberal reforms in Soviet Czechoslovakia. The czechs’ attempt to develop “socialism with a human face” ended with the Soviet tanks invading Czechoslovakia.
People of Czechoslovakia Fighting The Soviet Tanks. Unknown Photographer (1968)
Background
In January 1968, Alexander Dubcek became the new leader of the Czechoslovakian Communist Party. Already his predeccesor Antonin Novotny had introduced some liberal reforms.
Dubcek’s idea of “socialism with a human face” meant more cultural freedom, freedom of press, freedom of speech, economic reform, restrictions to secret police, multiparty government etc. It was hailed by the majority of the people, especially by intellectuals and students.
Events
Comrades in Moscow, especially Brezhnev, were alarmed and several warnings were given to Dubcek not to depart from Moscow’s commands. Nevertheless, liberal reforms continued and the head of KGB, Yuri Andropov, gave orders to send the Warsaw Pact forces and launch a full assault on Czechoslovakia.
On 20-21 August 1968, Soviet tanks invaded Czechoslovakia. During a large-scale street fighting 72 were killed and over 600 injured. Jan Palach set himself on fire some time later as a protest.
Results
After Prague Spring the outlines of the “Brezhnev Doctrine” were beginning to form.
Prague Spring
Jan-Aug 1968
Prague Spring was a brief period of hope and liberal reforms in Soviet Czechoslovakia. The czechs’ attempt to develop “socialism with a human face” ended with the Soviet tanks invading Czechoslovakia.
People of Czechoslovakia Fighting The Soviet Tanks. Unknown Photographer (1968)
Background
In January 1968, Alexander Dubcek became the new leader of the Czechoslovakian Communist Party. Already his predeccesor Antonin Novotny had introduced some liberal reforms.
Dubcek’s idea of “socialism with a human face” meant more cultural freedom, freedom of press, freedom of speech, economic reform, restrictions to secret police, multiparty government etc. It was hailed by the majority of the people, especially by intellectuals and students.
Events
Comrades in Moscow, especially Brezhnev, were alarmed and several warnings were given to Dubcek not to depart from Moscow’s commands. Nevertheless, liberal reforms continued and the head of KGB, Yuri Andropov, gave orders to send the Warsaw Pact forces and launch a full assault on Czechoslovakia.
On 20-21 August 1968, Soviet tanks invaded Czechoslovakia. During a large-scale street fighting 72 were killed and over 600 injured. Jan Palach set himself on fire some time later as a protest.
Results
After Prague Spring the outlines of the “Brezhnev Doctrine” were beginning to form.
Afghanistan War