The Causes of Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia emerged from decades of Soviet oppression, leading to significant reforms under Alexander Dubcek in 1968, which were ultimately crushed by Soviet intervention.
- Czechoslovakia experienced strict Soviet control since 1948, with widespread censorship, economic exploitation, and political persecution
- Under Dubcek's leadership, the Prague Spring introduced liberalizing reforms including relaxed censorship and increased civil freedoms
- The Soviet reaction to Prague Spring reforms was severe, culminating in a Warsaw Pact invasion of 500,000 troops
- The Impact of Brezhnev Doctrine on Czechoslovakia resulted in reversed reforms, political arrests, and reinforced Soviet control for the next two decades
- International consequences included strained relations between communist countries and Western protests, though no direct intervention occurred