Prague, 20 August 1998 (RFE/RL) -- The following is a chronology of the significant events leading up to the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in the summer of 1968:
Jan. 5, 1968: Alexander Dubcek replaces Antonin Novotny as Party leader and declares his intention to press ahead with extensive reforms. Novotny was criticized by party liberals and intellectuals for his government's poor economic performance and his anti-Slovak prejudice. Dubcek is seen as the perfect compromise candidate, acceptable to both the orthodox party members and reform wing.
February: Communist Party leadership approves enlargement of the economic reform program started in 1967. Journalists, students, and writers call for the repeal of the 1966 Press censorship law.
March: Public rallies held in Prague and other cities and towns in support of reform policies voice growing criticism of Novotny's presidency.
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