Czechoslovakia and the Prague Spring 1968
New challenge to Soviet domination.
Dubcek was leader of Czech Communist party.
He proposed "socialism with a human face" - less censorship and more freedom of rights etc.
Had no plans to leave the Warsaw pact of Comecon.
Czech opposition led by intellectuals from universities.
There was relaxed censorship which meant that an attack could be launched on Communist leaders.
Period known as Prague Spring because of all the new ideas.
USSR worried this idea might spread.
Tried to slow Dubcek down.
Army training exercises on Czech border.
Thought about sanctions but didn't incase Czechoslovakia asked from help from west.
Held conference with countries of Warsaw pact which called on Czechoslovakia to maintain political stability.
17 days later tanks moved into Czechoslovakia.
Little violent resistance.
Dubcek removed.
This lead to new Communist leader Brezhnev and Communist was defined to:
1 party system
all countries to remain part of the Warsaw pact
*As a result of this Albania resigned from Warsaw pact but Brezhnev didn't care because Albania was not considered important

Similarities
Triggered by intellectuals from universities etc.
Aims for social reform of Communism e.g. more freedom of speech.
Both crushed by USSR tanks to show power.

 Differences
Hungary wanted to leave Warsaw pact - not Czechoslovakia.
Only USSR involved in Hungary. All Eastern Europe countries involved in conference about Czechoslovakia.
Leader in Hungary was executed but in Czechoslovakia they were only downgraded and expelled from Communist party.

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