Summary: The late 1960’s was a time of social and political upheaval around the world and Prague was no exception. In 1968, the Czechoslovakian people were pushing for more openness with the West and the concept of “Socialism with a face†was in vogue. With the election of reformist Secretary Alexander Dubcek, Moscow had enough and ordered Warsaw Pact forces into Czechoslovakia. All reforms were suspended but the flame of freedom would not perish. The self-immolation of college student Jan Palach in January of 1969 and his death several days later would resonate across the globe.
