The Prague Spring (1968)
I can explain the consequences of the Prague Spring.
The Prague Spring (1968)
I can explain the consequences of the Prague Spring.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- After Czechoslovakia became a Soviet satellite state, people faced economic challenges and limits on their freedom.
- From 1957, under the leadership of Antonin Novotny, standards of living declined and calls for reform increased.
- Alexander Dubcek became leader in January 1968 and introduced a series of reforms known as the Prague Spring.
- Brezhnev was concerned that the Prague Spring would weaken communism and Czechoslovakia would leave the Warsaw Pact.
- In August 1968, a Soviet-led invasion removed Dubcek from power and ended the Prague Spring.
Keywords
Consumer goods - items purchased by individuals for their personal use and enjoyment
Secret police - government agencies that operate in secrecy to enforce political control; they often use covert methods to monitor, intimidate and eliminate perceived threats
Hard-line - strict and uncompromising
Reform - a change introduced to improve something, often a system or law
Warsaw Pact - a military alliance of Eastern European countries led by the Soviet Union during the Cold War; it was formed in 1955 in response to NATO
Common misconception
Alexander Dubcek was not a committed communist.
Dubcek was a committed communist. The purpose of the Prague Spring reforms was to preserve communist rule in Czechoslovakia and win support for communism by removing its worst features (e.g., censorship, secret police etc.)
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Prague Spring (1968), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Prague Spring (1968), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Cold War crises, 1958-70 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Invade Cuba, bomb the missile bases or sink the Soviet ships.
Be cautious and avoid any action that could lead to war.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
leader of the USSR
leader of Czechoslovakia after 1968
leader of Czechoslovakia before 1968