21 August 1968: Soviet Tanks in Prague

21 August 1968: Soviet Tanks in Prague

By PragueDaily

Photo: 21 August 1968, Prague | Milan Linhart

On 21 August 1968, Soviet tanks rolled into Prague, bringing an abrupt end to Czechoslovakia’s attempt to create a “socialism with a human face.”

Fifty-seven years ago, the troops of the Warsaw Pact crushed the country’s reform movement. Milan Linhart captured the moment with his camera, and his photographs still stir painful memories for those who lived through those turbulent times.

Today, Prague remembers the 1968 Russian invasion with the NeverMore 68 Festival at Výstaviště Praha.

Prague civilian walks past a Soviet tank on a city street, 21 August 1968, photographed by Milan Linhart
Photo: 21 August 1968, Prague | Milan Linhart
Bystanders in 1960s coats gather around a person lying motionless on a Prague street during the Warsaw Pact invasion, 21 August 1968
Photo: 21 August 1968, Prague | Milan Linhart
Soviet Warsaw Pact tank crew members in padded helmets atop an armored vehicle, black smoke rising over Prague, 21 August 1968
Photo: 21 August 1968, Prague | Milan Linhart
Soviet tank no. 22 surrounded by Prague civilians confronting soldiers atop it, 21 August 1968, photo by Milan Linhart
Photo: 21 August 1968, Prague | Milan Linhart
Soviet tank on a Prague street on 21 August 1968, with civilians standing alongside it during the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia
Photo: 21 August 1968, Prague | Milan Linhart
Burnt-out vehicle wreck on a Prague street with tram rails, civilians watching, 21 August 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion
Photo: 21 August 1968, Prague | Milan Linhart
Soviet tanks parked in a Prague square surrounded by civilians during the Warsaw Pact invasion, 21 August 1968
Photo: 21 August 1968, Prague | Milan Linhart