1.  starter activity A drawing on a wall in a street in Prague, 1968. What does this image tell us about the feelings of ordinary Czech people towards the Soviet Union?

2. Were Soviet forces justified in ending the ‘Prague Spring’? Czechoslovakia, 1968: The Prague Spring

3.  Your task Research the following areas: Research the following areas: Why did the Czech resent being a Soviet satellite state? Why did the Czech resent being a Soviet satellite state? What new freedoms did Czech people enjoy during the ‘Prague Spring’? What new freedoms did Czech people enjoy during the ‘Prague Spring’? How did Brezhnev respond to the reforms? How did Brezhnev respond to the reforms?

4. Why did the Czech resent being a Soviet satellite state? Loss of political & economic independence Loss of political & economic independence Cz. was a democracy before WWII Cz. was a democracy before WWII Cz, industry run for benefit of Soviet Union Cz, industry run for benefit of Soviet Union Alexander Dubček, Communist Party Sec. in Czechoslovakia 1968- 9.

5. What new freedoms did Czech people enjoy during the ‘Prague Spring’? Censorship of press ended Censorship of press ended Other political parties allowed apart from Communists Other political parties allowed apart from Communists Political prisoners released Political prisoners released Cz. Citizens given freedom to travel abroad Cz. Citizens given freedom to travel abroad Freer trading conditions Freer trading conditions Borrowing from West (USA) to invest in Cz. economy Borrowing from West (USA) to invest in Cz. economy

6. How did Brezhnev respond to the reforms? Dubček assured Brezhnev of his commitment to Warsaw Pact Dubček assured Brezhnev of his commitment to Warsaw Pact Brezhnev feared collapse of Communism & growth of capitalism might spread to other Soviet Bloc countries Brezhnev feared collapse of Communism & growth of capitalism might spread to other Soviet Bloc countries 20 August 1968, 500,000 troops invaded Cz. 20 August 1968, 500,000 troops invaded Cz. Dubček spent 4 days in interview with Brezhnev & forced to renounce reforms, replaced by Husak (loyal Communist) Dubček spent 4 days in interview with Brezhnev & forced to renounce reforms, replaced by Husak (loyal Communist)

7. Now you see him … ! What do these doctored images remind you of? The arrow points to Alexander Dubček.