The Czechoslovak Independence Movement By: Andrew Buser and Julie Shamblin

Origins and Development of Groups Opposing Colonialism February 1948-USSR takeover – Private property is expropriated – Human/political rights are suppressed August 1968-USSR invades, installs repressive Communist regime Market socialism results in a failing economy and middle class wanting more political power Charter 77-created to track government’s commitment to human rights; created Charter 77 Civic Forum-nonviolent, pro-democratic coalition

Key Leaders and their Roles in the Independence Movement Alexander Dubcek- Czechoslovak politician who urged economic and political reform – Prague Spring- period of Czechoslovak political and economic reform in 1968; prompted Soviet invasion Vaclav Havel-Czech playwright, later president of Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic – Leader of Charter 77 – Organized much of the movement’s public dissent

Methods Used to Achieve Independence Reform of political policies (Prague Spring) Mass protests/marches Underground press releases publishing intellectual writings Official press and other media to publicize grievances and protests Strikes/boycotts

Connections Between Independence Movement and Cold War Rivalry Warsaw Pact-(countered NATO)-allowed USSR to use armed force within Soviet bloc if deemed necessary. – Czechoslovakia is cut off from West by Cold War events, as it is Soviet territory Loss of control in Czechoslovakia is evidence of USSR’S deterioration

Post Conflict Political Organization Democratically elected Socialist Government – President – Parliament

Difficulties faced by Emerging Independent Government Huge military State security organization (secret police) Socialist economy

S.P.E.R.M.I. Impact of Independence Social: ability to vote for political leaders; surfacing of underlying tensions leads to separation of Czechoslovakia into Czech Republic and Slovakia Political: parliamentary democracy political structure Economic: privatized free-market economy Religious: return of freedom to practice religion (taken away by Soviets)

S.P.E.R.M.I. Impact of Independence Military: transition from Communist to democratic civilian control Ideological: new freedoms are major departure from Soviet ideology, causing slow transition due to culture shock

Long Term Impact of the Independence Movement Havel in office until 2003 Both successors have enjoyed parliamentary democracy & economic growth – Czech Republic rated very high on 2009 Human Development index – Slovakia rated high Czech Republic & Slovakia joined EU – Czech Republic also first East European country to join Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

Bibliography International Center on Nonviolent Conflict summaries?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&sobi2Id=18 summaries?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&sobi2Id=18 Revelations from the Russian Archives: Anti- religious Campaigns