Prague Spring

Prague Spring
(1968) Brief period of liberalization in Czechoslovakia under Alexander Dubček.

In April 1968 he instituted agricultural and industrial reforms, a revised constitution to guarantee civil rights, autonomy for Slovakia, and democratization of the government and the Communist Party. By June, many Czechs were calling for more rapid progress toward real democracy. Although Dubček believed he could control the situation, the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact countries, alarmed by the threat of a social-democratic Czechoslovakia, invaded the country in August, deposed Dubček, and gradually restored control by reinstalling hard-line communists as leaders.

* * *

 brief period of liberalization in Czechoslovakia under Alexander Dubček (Dubček, Alexander) in 1968. Soon after he became first secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party on Jan. 5, 1968, Dubček granted the press greater freedom of expression; he also rehabilitated victims of political purges during the Joseph Stalin (Stalin, Joseph) era. In April he promulgated a sweeping reform program that included autonomy for Slovakia, a revised constitution to guarantee civil rights and liberties, and plans for the democratization of the government. Dubček claimed that he was offering “socialism with a human face.” By June many Czechs were calling for more rapid progress toward real democracy. Although Dubček insisted that he could control the country's transformation, the Soviet Union (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) and other Warsaw Pact countries viewed the developments as tantamount to counterrevolution. On the evening of Aug. 20, Soviet armed forces invaded the country and quickly occupied it. As hard-line communists retook positions of power, the reforms were curtailed, and Dubček was deposed the following April. (See also Czechoslovak region, history of (Czechoslovak history).)

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Prague spring — Prague spring, the a short time in 1968 when the Communist government of Czechoslovakia, under Alexander Dubcek, allowed people to have more freedom than before. The Soviet Union did not agree with these changes and ↑invaded Czechoslovakia and… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • Prague Spring — This article is about the 1968 reform movement in Czechoslovakia. For the music festival, see Prague Spring International Music Festival. History of Czechoslovakia This article is part of a series …   Wikipedia

  • Prague Spring — (1968)    Attempts in communist Czechoslovakia to implement liberal reforms and bring about Czech leader Alexander Dubcek’s vision of “socialism with a human face” were brought to an abrupt halt by the invasion of Soviet troops. The popular… …   Historical dictionary of Marxism

  • Prague Spring — /prag ˈsprɪŋ/ (say prahg spring) noun the period of reform in Czechoslovakia introduced by the government of Alexandr Dubček in January 1968 and ended in August 1968 by the invasion of the Soviet army. {Prague + spring (def. 42) …  

  • Prague Spring International Music Festival — The Prague Spring International Music Festival ( cs. Mezinárodní hudební festival Pražké jaro) is a permanent showcase for outstanding performing artists, symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles of the world. The first festival was held… …   Wikipedia

  • Prague Spring International Music Competition — The Prague Spring International Music Competition (Czech: Mezinárodní hudební soutěž Pražské jaro) has been taken since 1946 in Prague, Czech Republic. The age limit for candidates is 30 year of age. Competitions disciplines and Laureates *Piano …   Wikipedia

  • Prague Spring — a brief period of liberalization in Czechoslovakia, ending in August 1968, during which a program of political, economic, and cultural reform was initiated …   Useful english dictionary

  • Prague Castle — ( cs. Pražský hrad) is a castle in Prague where the Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Czech Crown Jewels are kept here. Prague Castle is one of the biggest castles …   Wikipedia

  • Spring (season) — Spring is one of the four temperate seasons. Spring marks the transition from winter into summer.OverviewDefinition of springAccording to an astronomical definition, spring begins on the vernal equinox (usually March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere …   Wikipedia

  • Prague — /prahg/, n. a city in and the capital of the Czech Republic, in the W central part, on the Vltava: formerly capital of Czechoslovakia. 1,211,000. Czech, Praha /prddah hah/. German, Prag. * * * City (pop., 2001 est.: 1,178,576), capital of the… …   Universalium

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”