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Czechoslovakia Effectively Becomes a Communist State
The president of Czechoslovakia at the time approves a governmental reorginization plan that effectively makes Czechoslovakia a communist state. -
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Communist leaders rule Czechoslovakia harshly
After assuming control, the Communist party began a purge of political enemies, and generally repressed basic freedoms, including freedom of speech and media, by instituting censorship. They also heavily centralized the economy and followed other Communist idealogies. -
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Novotny is president of the Czechoslovakian Communist party
Antonin Novotny, backed by the Soviet union, had a harsh and opressive style of ruling. Censorship was abundant and Novotny kept a tight hold on his power. Eventually, his harsh policies alientated most Czechoslovakians and he lost support. He was forced to relenquish his role as party secretary to Dubcek in 1968. -
Prague Spring begins
Alexander Dubcek assumes highest position in Czechoslovakian Communist Party. -
Warsaw Pact Invasion of Czechoslovakia
The beginning of the end of the Prague Spring movement. -
Husak Replaces Dubcek as Communist Party Secretary
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Period of Normalization
Gustav Husak rules as head of Czechoslovakian Communist party. Husak is strongly backed and influenced by the Soviets and returns Czechoslovakia to a pre-Prague Spring state by dismantling all of Dubcek's reforms.