The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes (USTR) has launched a groundbreaking online portal that provides a wealth of historical materials pertaining to the momentous events of August 1968 when Czechoslovakia was invaded by Warsaw Pact troops. The announcement, made on the USTR’s official website, introduces a comprehensive collection of photographs, radio broadcast recordings, and written documents that offer a unique glimpse into the period of the invasion and its aftermath.

This portal is a culmination of the USTR’s efforts to compile and curate materials from the years 1968 and 1969, reflecting its ongoing commitment to preserving and disseminating historical information. Since its establishment in 2008, the USTR has collected over 100,000 pages of online documents that have been made accessible to the general public. This launch coincides with the 55th anniversary of the invasion, a pivotal moment that led to 21 years of occupation by the Soviet army.

Among the diverse range of materials available on the portal are documents that shed light on various aspects of the invasion and its aftermath. Notably, the portal features the list of invasion victims, documents from the security forces of communist Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union, as well as video recordings and photographs capturing the events of that tumultuous time.

By providing this rich repository of historical resources, the USTR aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of the events that transpired in 1968 and 1969. Researchers, historians, educators, and the wider public now have the opportunity to engage with primary source materials, gaining valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the era. As a testament to its dedication to studying and commemorating significant historical moments, the USTR’s new online portal is a commendable initiative that ensures the accessibility and preservation of crucial historical records for generations to come.

Article by Prague Forum