Key Topic 2: Three Cold War Crises: Berlin, Cuban and Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia and the ‘Prague Spring? Learning Outcomes: How did the Crises affected American Soviet Relations? Learning Objectives: Know: What factors led to the creation of the ‘Prague Spring?’ Understand: What was the ‘Brezhnev Doctrine?’ Be able to: What was the reaction to the Soviet Invasion?

The situation Czechoslovakia were very similar to the events in Hungary 12 years early. Czechoslovakia was a ‘satellite state’. However Communism had very few benefits for the citizens of the nation. By the mid 1960s Czechoslovakia was a brutal police state where any opposition was brutally crushed. Combined with this was economic issues. The once thriving economy was now struggling, resulting in a decline in living standards. This resulted in Antonin Novotny, the Communist Party leader becoming very unpopular. His leadership was challenged by Alexander Dubcek. On 5 th Jan 1968 Dubcek became leader of the Communist Party. He was the natural choice –a committed communist, close friend of Brezhnev and had a real desire to create a new ‘socialism with a human face’. He wanted to end the repressive practices, allow greater freedom and in turn revitalize Czechoslovakian politics, economic and social life. The ‘Prague Spring’: This describes the liberal changes brought in after April ‘68. it included the following reforms: Relaxation of press censorship. Legalisation of political opposition groups. Govt toleration of political criticism. More power to regional govt. More power to the Czech parliament. Market Socialism Dubcek’s aim was simple – “(to allow) the widest possible democracy in the social and political life of Czechoslovakia”. These reforms were welcomed by students and the young along with workers and intellectuals. The most famous were Havel and Kundera who actively criticised the Soviets. Know: What factors led to the creation of the ‘Prague Spring?’ Now consider – which of these factors is the most significant in the creation of the Prague Spring? A basic answer: Level 1 – describes the event but does not explain its importance A good answer: Level 2 – describes the event and explains its importance. An excellent answer: Level 3 – provides detailed evidence showing how the event was important.

Describe one reason why Dubcek introduced reforms in Czechoslovakia (2 Marks) A basic answer (Level 1): Is accurate but lacks detail. A good answer (Level 2) Is accurate and provides supporting information.

Brezhnev’s dilemma: The events of the ‘Prague Spring’ made life very difficult for Brezhnev. Dubcek was a friend and he’d made no effort to attack or damage the USSR and Eastern Bloc. However if the ‘Spring’ worked, he feared a ‘domino effect’ that would eradicate Soviet control and the end of the ‘sphere of influence’. Despite Brezhnev’s constant dialogue with Dubcek the latter did not take any of the hints in halting his reforms. By late August Brezhnev felt he had no other option – he ordered a Warsaw Pact invasion. The Brezhnev Doctrine: According to this doctrine the USSR had the ‘right’ to invade any country in Eastern Europe whose actions appeared to threaten the security of the ‘Bloc’ as a whole. Brezhnev argued that Dubcek’s actions threatened to undermined the Warsaw Pact and communist control in Eastern Europe. This meant the Soviet Union ‘had to’ invade. The Soviet Invasion: Soviet tanks invaded on 20 th August. Dubcek ordered the Czech people not to respond with violence – however there was a great deal of civil disobedience (most notably by students vs. tanks). Dubcek was arrested and taken to Moscow where he was charged with ‘betraying socialism’. He was forced to sign the ‘Moscow Protocol’ which committed the Czech govt to ‘protect socialism’ by reintroducing censorship and removing opposition. Understand: What was the ‘Brezhnev Doctrine?’

Describe the key features of the Brezhnev Doctrine (6 Marks) You need to: Produce 2 -3 developed statements that answer the Q – avoid writing a narrative of events. A basic answer (Level 1) Two undeveloped points – simple statements with no evidence in support. A good answer (Level 2) Two – three developed statements using the standard P: E: A: Structure.

America’s response: Brezhnev was sure that America would do nothing to help the Czechoslovakians due to their involvement in the Vietnam War. Brezhnev was confident that the Americans would want to avoid another military engagement against communism. Therefore while the USA condemned the invasion = it did nothing in terms of military support (same as 1939 and 1956?) Western European response: Western govts did the same as the USA – condemned but offered no military support. However the most interesting development was the reaction of European communist parties. Both the French and Italian CPs openly criticised the USSR and official ‘broke’ from their influence. This created two rival forms of European Communism : Soviet Communism in the East Eurocommunism in the West This now showed the extent of the loss of Soviet control in Europe. Eastern European response: Discontent was echoed in the East. Both the Romanian and Yugoslavian govts condemned the Soviet invasion and distanced themselves from Moscow. Both started to form alliances with China, the world’s other major communist power. However – the East German and Polish govts supported the Soviet actions. They were concerned that the Czechs were becoming to liberal. Hardliners were afraid of losing their power and position in the face of reform. Now consider – which of these factors is the most significant consequence as a result of the Prague Spring ? A basic answer: Level 1 – describes the event but does not explain its importance A good answer: Level 2 – describes the event and explains its importance. An excellent answer: Level 3 – provides detailed evidence showing how the event was important. Be able to: What was the reaction to the Soviet Invasion?