Brezhnev Doctrine, 1968

What was the Brezhnev Doctrine?

The Brezhnev Doctrine stated that the USSR had the right to invade any country in its sphere of influence which threatened the stability of eastern Europe.

Who was behind the Brezhnev Doctrine?

Leonid Brezhnev, the leader of the USSR between 1964 and 1982, created the Brezhnev Doctrine.

Why was the Brezhnev Doctrine introduced?

Brezhnev introduced the Brezhnev Doctrine after the Prague Spring because he realised he could not allow reforms in other eastern European nations.

When was the Brezhnev Doctrine created?

The Brezhnev Doctrine was created in September 1968.

How did the West react to the Brezhnev Doctrine?

The West reacted to the Brezhnev Doctrine in 3 main ways:

• ❖ It was condemned by the USA.
• ❖ Communist parties in the democratic west were shocked and broke away from the Soviet Communist Party to create their own version of communism, called Eurocommunism.
• ❖ It was condemned by the UN.

How did the communists react to the Brezhnev Doctrine?

Other communist states reacted in the 3 main ways to the Brezhnev Doctrine:

• ❖ Communist governments in East Germany and Poland welcomed it because they were attempting to control reformers in their own countries.
• ❖ Romania and Yugoslavia were horrified. They tried to distance themselves from the USSR and be more independent.
• ❖ China was angered and insulted by the Brezhnev Doctrine, as it only gave the USSR the right to intervene. Their relationship deteriorated.

What was the significance of the Brezhnev Doctrine for eastern Europe?

Countries in the eastern European bloc now had to obey strict Soviet rule or risk invasion.