International responses to the Prague Spring
I can explain the reactions of countries in the East and West to events in Czechoslovakia from 1968-69.
International responses to the Prague Spring
I can explain the reactions of countries in the East and West to events in Czechoslovakia from 1968-69.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Alexander Dubček's Prague Spring reforms were seen as a threat by other Warsaw Pact leaders.
- The USSR worried that Czechoslovakia might leave the Warsaw Pact.
- The USSR led an invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968.
- The Prague Spring reforms were overturned and Dubček was replaced with Gustáv Husák.
- The West opposed the invasion but was unwilling to fight over Czechoslovakia.
Keywords
Warsaw Pact - a military alliance of Eastern European countries led by the Soviet Union during the Cold War
Barricade - something that is quickly put across a road or entrance to prevent people from going past
Common misconception
The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia created the risk of war between the superpowers.
The USA opposed the invasion but was unwilling to become involved in a military conflict involving the USSR and so limited its oppositions to criticism rather than taking steps to protect Czechoslovakia.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...