Prague Spring

The Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia during the era of its domination by the Soviet Union after the Second World War, begins on January 5, 1968, when reformist Alexander Dubček comes to power, and continues until August 21, when the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies invade the country to halt the reforms.The Prague Spring reforms are an attempt by Dubček to grant additional rights to the citizens in an act of partial decentralization of the economy and democratization.

Among the freedoms granted are a loosening of restrictions on the media, speech and travel.

Dubček also federalizes the country into two separate republics; this is the only change that survives the end of the Prague Spring.The reforms are not received well by the Soviets who, after failed negotiations, sends thousands of Warsaw Pact troops and tanks to occupy the country.

A large wave of emigration sweeps the nation.

While there are many non-violent protests in the country, including the protest-suicide of a student, there is no military resistance.

Czechoslovakia is to remain occupied until 1990.After the invasion, Czechoslovakia will enter a period of normalization: subsequent leaders will attempt to restore the political and economic values that had prevailed before Dubček gained control of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ).

Gustáv Husák, who replaces Dubček and also becomes president, reverses almost all of Dubček's reforms.

The Prague Spring has become immortalized in music and literature such as the work of Karel Kryl and Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being.

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