Dubček, Alexander

Dubček, Alexander (1921-1992), statesman of the former Czechoslovakia, who initiated the reforms of the so-called “Prague Spring” of 1968. Born in Uhrovec (in present-day Slovakia), Dubček was a long-time Communist functionary—initially a protégé of the hard-line party boss Antonín Novotný—who gradually became the leader of a reform faction. He was made general secretary of the party in January 1968 and proceeded to liberalize the regime, abolishing censorship and reviving democratic traditions. He resisted Soviet efforts to restrict his reforms, but when Warsaw Pact forces invaded Czechoslovakia in August, he was forced to accept Moscow's terms. Stripped of his position in 1969, Dubček was expelled from the party in 1970 and demoted to the post of inspector in the forestry administration. In December 1989, after a multi-party coalition replaced the Communist government, he was elected chairman of the Federal Assembly.