The Cinema of Czech Republic - Czechoslovakian History

The Cinema of Czech Republic

Czechoslovakian History

At the end of World War I, Czechoslovakia emerged from the Austria- Hungary Empire. During World War II Czechoslovakia was under German control, but in 1939 it was liberated by the U.S. and Soviets. In 1947, it became a Communist driven country, after the suspicious death of Jan Masaryk, an non-communist foreign minister. Liberties were limited and trials were conducted from 1950 to 1952. Riots echoed the economic dissatisfaction. A very meek liberalization began in response but was repealed in 1957, when Antonin Novotny became president. But then in 1960 a new constitution was passed. Another guarded interest to liberalization was started in. Limitations on the press, education, and cultural activities were relieved, and neighboring authorities received amplified economic independence. Czechoslovakia became famous worldwide for its experimental theater work and its many superior films. But the Communist party kept political control of the country.

In 1968, Alexander Dubcek replaced Antonin Novotny as party leader. Under Alexander Dubcek democratization went further than any of the other Communist states. Press censorship was condensed, and the refurbishment of an authentically democratic political living appeared achievable. Very much concerned about the interpreted threat to the