Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2016
Last exams 2025
Leonid Brezhnev & the Soviet Reaction to the 'Prague Spring' (Edexcel GCSE History)
Revision Note
Written by: Zoe Wade
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Why did Brezhnev Repress the Prague Spring? - Summary
Brezhnev became concerned about the loyalty of Czechoslovakia. The Prague Spring of April 1968 attempted to reform communism. Brezhnev felt that Dubcek's actions weakened the Soviet Union's dominance over Eastern Europe. The Soviet Union had lost influence over communist Yugoslavia and Romania. Brezhnev could not allow more Eastern European countries to break away from the Soviet Union.
Dubcek ignored Brezhnev's requests to reverse the Prague Spring reforms. Dubcek's actions forced a reaction from Brezhnev. Dubcek invited Ceausescu and Tito, the leaders of Romania and Yugoslavia, for talks. This appeared like an aggressive action against the Soviet Union. Brezhnev could not allow Czechoslovakia to unify with non-Soviet communist states. This would weaken the Warsaw Pact. This context explains the violent repression of the Prague Spring in August 1968.
Who was Leonid Brezhnev?
Brezhnev had a close working relationship with Khrushchev
In July 1964, Brezhnev became the Second Secretary. This role essentially placed Brezhnev as Khrushchev's successor. Brezhnev was next in line for the leadership of the Soviet Union
In October 1964, Brezhnev led a coalition against Khrushchev
After a period of 'collective leadership', Brezhnev became the First Secretary of the Soviet Union
Brezhnev believed that Khrushchev had weakened the Soviet Union
Unlike Khrushchev, Brezhnev discussed important decisions with his colleagues
Brezhnev had an authoritarian style of rule, similar to Stalin
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The Superpower Relations paper does not require an in-depth knowledge of Leonid Brezhnev. Try to remember that Brezhnev acted differently from Khrushchev. He did not claim to want freedom or reform within the Soviet Union. He wanted to restore the reputation of communism within the Soviet Union and internationally.
The Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia
Brezhnev believed that he needed to take urgent action against Dubcek and the Prague Spring reforms
A flow diagram depicting how the Soviet Union suppressed the Prague Spring
Brezhnev ensured that Czechoslovakia remained under Soviet control for the next twenty years
Husak remained loyal to the Soviet Union
The Czech government punished any signs of dissent
The Impact of the Prague Spring on Cold War Relations
The Soviet reaction to the Prague Spring shocked the West
The USA strongly protested against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia
The UN attempted to pass a formal verdict against the Soviet Union's actions in Czechoslovakia
The Soviet Union blocked the motion from passing
The event proved that the USA would not take military action against the Soviet Union
The USA was engaged in a costly war in Vietnam
After the Cuban Missile Crisis, the USA attempted to form closer relations with the Soviet Union. The process is often referred to as Détente
The unwillingness of the USA to protect the freedom of the Czech people impacted their reputation across the West. The USA spoke out against the Soviet Union's actions but were unwilling to act against them
Causes and consequences of the Soviet reaction to the Prague Spring
A flow diagram showing the causes and consequences of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968
Worked Example
Explain the importance of the Soviet reaction to the Prague Spring in 1968 for Cold War tensions
8 marks
Partial answer:
The Prague Spring in 1968 worsened Cold War tensions. Since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the USA and the Soviet Union attempted to pursue better relations with each other. The suppression of the Czech public with an army of 500,000 soldiers showed the Soviet Union's continued reluctance to allow human rights and reform. This led to an escalation in Cold War tensions as the USA and other Western countries protested against the invasion of Czechoslovakia. The West attempted to pass a formal motion at the UN condemning the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union prevented this process from passing in the UN. This worsened Cold War tensions as it continued the divide between the East and the West. The West could not make meaningful progress in its relationship with the Soviet Union until the Soviet Union ended its repressive style of rule and allowed basic human rights.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
This style of question in the exam paper would be worth 8 marks. An examiner would expect you to write two paragraphs analysing the importance of an event on a wider theme like Cold War tension. The worked example shows how you could start an answer for this style of question. A good response to this style of question would have:
A logical structure of paragraphs. Within each paragraph, each sentence should link to the next. This will build a strong argument as to why the event is important to the wider theme
Specific own knowledge linked to the event, showing in-depth knowledge of the period
A clear explanation as to why the event was important to a wider theme. In the example above, you can see the phrase 'this worsened Cold War tension because' is used. This helps to keep the response focused on the question
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