Discussion response needed:
To what extend the uprisings in Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in1968 reflect national, European, or superpower tensions? (Feel free toconcentrate on one or the other.)
The uprising in Czechoslovakia seemed to be a reflection of all three, though the superpower tension theme might be more obvious. If the USSR were to loose Czechoslovakia, it would show how Communism could be defeated by Democracy. Theuprising in Czechoslovakia, demonstrated to the Soviet Regime that itwas loosing influence and control over sections of Europe it had gainedafter World War Two. The economic boom that had followed the war hadbegun to slow down, and Czechoslovakia was looking for a way to reviveit. Social reforms were beginning to take place within the communistcommunity, and with the election of Alexander Dubček, Soviet Russiaattempted to re-assert control of the communist party. Alexander Dubčekallowed more freedoms to take place, ie.; lifting censorship. This wasnot in support to Soviet ideology, and these actions ran in directconflict with the other socialist communities sense of interdependence.If Czechoslovakia were allowed to continue down this path of politicalreform, it would eventually spill over into other Eastern Blocsatellites.
“The Soviet politburo, after much hesitation, decided that Dubčekcould not control the growing tide of radical reform, which wasacquiring revolutionary proportions.” – Leonid Brezhnev – 1968
