Alexander Dubcek Research Paper

Czechoslovakia was a satellite state of the Soviet Union and one that was considered the model satellite state. Antonin Novotny, the first secretary of the Czechoslovakian Communist Party, was replaced by Alexander Dubcek in January of 1968. Dubcek represented the moderate reform element in the party and as a Slovak he also represented the Slovak interests that had been neglected. However, changes in Soviet rule over the Czechs allowed changes to be made in Czechoslovakia. For example, during this time no Soviet Troops were stationed in Czechoslovakia and when Dubcek was elected secretary he had no one to ask for advice so he turned to the liberals who already had formulated and were advocating popular reform programs. Finding support from the liberals, Dubcek began making reforms which further threatened Soviet control and made the Soviets come into Czechoslovakia and regain control. …show more content…
Along with the Communist Party the 1967 Writers Congress also featured demands for political reforms. The first reforms begin cautiously with the end to censorship. The announcement for the “Action Program” was brought about in April. The “Action Program” called for a concentration on consumer goods production and increased political freedom. Plans for more extensive reforms however were presented at the Fourteenth Part Congress, they called for a more pluralistic but still one-party system. The pace of reforms quickened and new parties began to emerge to fight for their