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Prague Spring

Definition

A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia during the era of its domination by the Soviet Union after World War II. It began on January 5, 1968, when reformist Alexander Dubček was elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (CPC), and continued until August 21 when the Soviet Union and other members of the Warsaw Pact invaded the country to suppress reforms.

Analogy

Think about Prague Spring as a brief warm spell in winter. For a moment, it feels like spring has arrived early with more freedom and warmth (political liberalization). But then a sudden snowstorm (the Soviet-led invasion) brings back winter's chill.

Related terms

Normalization: The subsequent period after the Prague Spring where censorship was reintroduced, and political repression resumed under new leader Gustáv Husák.

Charter 77: A human rights document issued in January 1977 in response to repressions post-Prague Spring; it criticized government for failing to implement human rights provisions.

Velvet Revolution: A non-violent transition of power in what was then Czechoslovakia, occurring from November 17 to December 29, 1989. Marked end of communist rule in country.