Impact Notes

The Impact of the Prague Spring and the Brezhnev Doctrine

The Prague Spring: A Turning Point in Czechoslovakia

1. Background and Context
   1. After 1948, Czechoslovakia remained loyal to Moscow under leaders like Klement Gottwald and Antonín Novotný.
   2. Novotný's regime was marked by corruption and stagnation, causing tensions within the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (CPCS).
   3. In January 1968, Alexander Dubček replaced Novotný, advocating for political reform and "socialism with a human face."

Dubček's Reforms

1. Dubček's Action Programme aimed to achieve socialism through a distinct Czechoslovak path, including:
   1. Freedoms of Speech, Press, and Movement: Ending press censorship and allowing travel to Western countries.
   2. Economic Reforms: Allowing enterprises to make decisions based on consumer demand.
   3. Autonomy for Slovaks: Increasing rights for the Slovak minority.

Soviet Response and the Warsaw Pact Invasion

1. Initially, the Soviet Union watched Czechoslovakia's reforms with interest but grew alarmed as they expanded.
   1. Military Exercises: Warsaw Pact countries conducted exercises in Czechoslovakia to intimidate Dubček.
   2. Warsaw Letter: Soviet and Eastern European leaders affirmed Czechoslovakia's right to self-determination but warned that challenges to socialism threatened the entire movement.
   3. Invasion: On August 20, 1968, Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia, quickly taking control of Prague.

Effects of the Invasion

International Reactions

1. United States: Condemned the invasion but took no further action, as it was deeply involved in Vietnam.
2. United Nations: Attempts to pass a resolution condemning the invasion were vetoed by the Soviet Union.
3. Global Protests: Outrage came from within the communist world, including protests in China, Romania, Yugoslavia, and even the Soviet Union.