Journal+3

The information I need to describe the loss of innocence: -Background of the Czechoslovakian revolution -The Prague Spring -Iron Curtain

Background of Czechoslovakian revolution: The Czechoslovakian revolution took place mainly during the 1960s when the people started to protest the communist government. From 1921 to 1992, the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia had a large influence on the country. It was an era of Soviet domination brought on by World War II. The people of the country were fighting for a democratic government system.

The Prague Spring: The Prague Spring was a reform movement that took place in 1968. It was meant to add to citizens rights and to reduce the censor on media. The government had intentions of loosening ties with the USSR and removing Czechoslovakia from the Warsaw Pact. During this time, large protest and riots took place to prevent soviet occupation.

Iron Curtain: The Iron Curtain is the separation between NATO countries and countries of the Warsaw Pact. This "curtain" took shape between western and eastern Europe. Migration was from east to west was prohibited starting in 1950. Czechoslovakian soldiers were positioned in the east, making sure that there were no border violations. Primarily American soldiers guarded the border to the west. On the east, there was a deadly obstacle course to prevent anyone from escaping. A double barbed wire fence was set up and the space between them was filled with land mines. A sand strip was placed in the area to track escapees with their footprints. Anyone too close to the fence was in the "kill zone." In this zone, Czechoslovakian soldiers could fire at will.