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Year 11 - History

The Prague Spring

Wider Depth Study - Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils undergo a wider depth study which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today: the Cold War. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the international relations in this Cold War period.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the causes and events of the Prague Spring.

Key Notes

  • There were many problems for people living under communist rule in Czechoslovakia.
  • In the late 1960s, protests began to spread in Czechoslovakia.
  • Alexander Dubček became leader of Czechoslovakia at the start of 1968.
  • Dubček introduced liberalising reforms known as the Prague Spring.
  • Dubček considered reform necessary to preserve communist rule.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • satellite state: a country controlled by or depending on a more powerful country
  • oppression: unfair treatment that limits people's freedom
  • consumer goods: items purchased by individuals for their personal use and enjoyment
  • socialism: a word sometimes used as an alternative to communism
  • liberalised: to make laws and systems less strict

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Dubček's reforms demonstrate that he was not a communist.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

There were many problems for people living under communist rule in Czechoslovakia. In the late 1960s, protests began to spread in Czechoslovakia.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'satellite state'

a country controlled by or depending on a more powerful country.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Dubček's reforms demonstrate that he was not a communist. Correction: Dubček did want to liberalise politics and the economy in Czechoslovakia but he was still a communist. He considered these reforms necessary to ensure that a communist government could survive without being overthrown.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 History guide library.