Question

What are two consequences of the election of Alexander Dubcek as First Secretary of the Czech Communist Party in January 1968?

a) Increased censorship and suppression of dissent.
b) Implementation of market-oriented economic policies.
c) Relaxation of government control and increased freedom of the press.
d) Isolation from the global political stage and reduced international cooperation.

Answer 1

The consequences of the election of Alexander Dubcek as First Secretary of the Czech Communist Party in January 1968 were relaxation of government control and increased freedom of the press, as well as increased censorship and suppression of dissent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The election of Alexander Dubcek as First Secretary of the Czech Communist Party in January 1968 had two major consequences:

1. Relaxation of government control and increased freedom of the press: Dubcek implemented reforms that ended government censorship and allowed greater freedom of expression. This led to a period known as the Prague Spring, during which there was an unprecedented openness in Czechoslovakia.
2. Increased censorship and suppression of dissent: However, the Soviet Union became alarmed by the reforms and viewed them as a threat to its control over the Eastern Bloc. As a result, the Soviet Union ordered an invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968, leading to the restoration of censorship and government control.