Exactly 78 years ago, on 25 February 1948, the Communists seized power in post-war Czechoslovakia. This marked the beginning of more than four decades of hard-line communist rule, brought to an end by the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Czechoslovak Communist leader Klement Gottwald, on that fateful day in 1948, announced in Prague’s Old Town Square that the president had accepted the resignations of several non-communist ministers. While the transition to a totalitarian system did not happen overnight, this event symbolized the beginning of one-party rule. The Communist Coup of 1948 After World War II, Czechoslovakia looked favorably on the Russians, who had liberated them. By 1946, Communists were well-represented in the Czechoslovak government. In 1947, however, Czechoslovakia wanted to obtain Marshall Aid from the USA, but it was not possible due to USSR intervention. This was only one of many issues that set off criticism of the Communist Party. Communists reacted ruthlessly. The democratic ministers were soon fed up with the Communists’ abuse of the police organ and security forces. They demanded that the Party cease its political attacks. But the Communists would not give in. The 12 non-Communist ministers resigned, predicting that democratic President Edvard Benes would be able...
The post On This Day in 1948: Communists Seize Power in Czechoslovakia appeared first on Prague Morning.
© 2026 Sedmasila All rights reserved.