Prague - Wenceslas Square - February 1948 - people

Czechoslovakia. After Communist putsch in February 1948 democracy in this country vanished and a totalitarian system lasting over 40 years was established. Five year economy plans which were concepted according to Soviet model proved to be inefficient and the Communist Party illegaly founded armed workers militia (later Peoples Militia) to inflict fear and terror into the general population. Thousands of unwanted people were sent to labor camps where many perished. Monsterous trials sent citizens and later even Communist Party members to death. Photo: On February 27th 1948, Prime Minister Klement Gottwald seems joyous after the new constitution was signed by new government members. Photo: Gottwald smiles after taking an oath. CTK Vintage Photo

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

27th According Concepted Constitution Established Gottwald Illegaly Inefficient Inflict Joyous Klement Lasting Militia Monsterous Oath Perished Proved Putsch Seems Takeover Totalitarian Unwanted Vanished Wenceslas

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > CTK