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 Edvard Benes, the departing presidents, looks on as the new constitution is signed by new government members. CTK Vintage Photo

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27th According Anor Benes Benes  Concepted Constitution Departing Edvard Established Fierlinger Illegaly Inefficient Inflict Lasting Militia Monsterous Perished Proved Putsch Takeover Totalitarian Unwanted Vanished Zdenek

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