Czechoslovakia, 1948
A soviet led Cazechoslovakian Communist party took over power in 1948
Use of force (Jan Masaryk was killed)
Supported militarily and economically by the USSR
was seen as a major threat to spread of of communism
Use of force (Jan Masaryk was killed)
Supported militarily and economically by the USSR
was seen as a major threat to spread of of communism
What was the signifigance of Czechoslovakia?
The coup’s significance extended well beyond the country’s boundaries, however, as it was a clear marker along the already well-advanced road to full-fledged Cold War. The shock with which the West greeted the event—which bore distinct echoes of Munich—helped spur quick adoption of the Marshall Plan, the creation of a state in West Germany, vigorous measures to keep Communists out of power in France and especially Italy, and steps toward mutual security that would, in little over a year, result in the establishment of NATO and the definitive drawing of the Iron Curtain until the Fall of Communism in 1989.
From the Communist to the Velvet Revolution in 1989, Czechoslovakia was ruled by the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. The country belonged to the Eastern Bloc and was a member of theWarsaw Pact and of Comecon. During the era of Communist Party Rule, thousands of Czechoslovaks faced political persecution for various offences, such as trying to emigrate across the Iron Curtain.