Prague Spring
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| This article is part of the series History of Czechoslovakia |
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| Origins (to 1918) |
| First Republic (1918–1938) |
| Second Republic and World War II (1938–1945) |
| Third Republic (1945–1948) |
| Communist Era (1948–1989) |
| Velvet Revolution and Democracy (1989–1992) |
| Dissolution of Czechoslovakia January 1, 1993 |
The Prague Spring (Czech: Pražské jaro, Slovak: Pražská jar) was a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia during the era of its domination by the Soviet Union after World War II. It began on January 5, 1968, when reformist Slovak Alexander Dubček came to power, and continued until August 21, when the Soviet Union and members of its Warsaw Pact allies invaded the country to halt the reforms.
The Prague Spring reforms were an attempt by Dubček to grant additional rights to the citizens in an act of partial decentralization of the economy and democratization. Among the freedoms granted were a loosening of restrictions on the media, speech and travel. Dubček also federalized the country into two separate republics; this was the only change that survived the end of the Prague Spring.
The reforms were not received well by the Soviets who, after failed negotiations, sent thousands of Warsaw Pact troops and tanks to occupy the country. A large wave of emigration swept the nation. While there were many non-violent protests in the country, including the protest-suicide of a student, there was no military resistance. Czechoslovakia remained occupied until 1990.
After the invasion, Czechoslovakia entered a period of normalization: subsequent leaders attempted to restore the political and economic values that had prevailed before Dubček gained control of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ). Gustáv Husák, who replaced Dubček and also became president, reversed almost all of Dubček's reforms. The Prague Spring has become immortalized in music and literature such as the work of Karel Kryl and Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
topPrague Spring
The Prague Spring (Czech: Pražské jaro, Slovak: Pražská jar) was a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia during the era of its domination by the Soviet Union ...
Prague Spring - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Programme of The 59th International Music Festival Prague Spring Czech Republic. ... May 11th Thu, 20:00 Municipial House 1st Opening concert A repeat of the opening concert ...
Prague Spring - 61st International Music Festival
Assignment What were the specific elements of the Prague Spring that the Soviet Union found dangerous?
Prague Spring
When the dawn fell on the 20th of August 1968 everything started. It was around midnight, when several thousands of Czechoslovak citizens awoke to the sound of ...
Prague Spring 1968
Prague spring The period of Czechoslovakian politics following Alexander Dubcek's arrival as Party leader in January 1968, and ending with the Soviet