What were the causes of the Prague Spring?

The Prague Spring was caused by a desire for political reform, economic improvement, and greater freedom in Czechoslovakia.

In the 1960s, Czechoslovakia was under the control of the Soviet Union, which imposed a strict communist regime. Many Czechoslovakians were unhappy with the lack of political freedom, economic stagnation, and censorship. The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, led by Antonín Novotný, was seen as corrupt and out of touch with the needs of the people. This dissatisfaction led to calls for change and reform within the country.

In January 1968, Alexander Dubček became the leader of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. Dubček introduced a series of reforms known as "Socialism with a human face." These reforms aimed to create a more open and democratic society. They included greater freedom of speech and the press, the reduction of the secret police's power, and the decentralisation of the economy. Dubček's policies were very popular among the Czechoslovakian people, who were eager for more personal and political freedoms.

The economic situation in Czechoslovakia also played a significant role in the Prague Spring. The centrally planned economy was inefficient and struggling to meet the needs of the population. Dubček's reforms sought to introduce elements of market economics to improve productivity and living standards. This included giving more autonomy to individual enterprises and reducing the state's control over the economy.

However, the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact countries were alarmed by these reforms. They feared that the changes in Czechoslovakia could inspire similar movements in other Eastern Bloc countries, threatening Soviet control. In August 1968, the Soviet Union and its allies invaded Czechoslovakia to halt the reforms and reassert their dominance, effectively ending the Prague Spring.