Czech workers gather in Wenceslas Square as communist government comes into power (1948)

GAUMONT BRITISH NEWSREEL (REUTERS)
To license this film, visit www.britishpat...
Workers pack Wenceslas Square in Prague as the communist government takes power in Czechoslovakia, and Klement Gottwald (Communist Premier) speaks
Full Description:
Gaumont British Ident
SLATE INFORMATION: Crisis in Czechoslovakia
CZECH REPUBLIC: Prague: Wenceslas Square:
EXT
BENES AND WIFE Receives Gottwald and Zapotocky and Nosek at Prague Castle and agrees to receive resignations of Socialist partys
CZECHOSLOVAKIA Shots of Wencelas Sq., Prague when people from factories etc fill sq. to overflowing. Gottwald arrives, joins members of his cabinet on balcony. States that Pres. Benes has "bowed" to will of the people. Next day, at assembly of Trades Union committees, Premier Gottwald states the new proposals for country. Delegates give vote of agreement by raising an arm
CZECHOSLOVAKIA Benes, receives Klement Gottwald, Minister of Interior Nosek, Chairman of Czech trade unions Zapotocky at Prague Castle. Accepts resignation of other ministers
GOTTWALD - PRIME MINISTER OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA Arrives in Wencelas Sq. huge crowds gathered for meeting. States that Pres. Benes had "bowed" to will of the people. Seen on balcony with un-named members of his cabinet. Next day, at Assembly of Trade Union Committees. Thousands listened as Gottwald outlines Governments proposals. Delegates raising arm in agreement
PRAGUE Workers from all factories gather in Wencelas Sq. Prague as new Communist government comes into power. On platform stood members of the new cabinet. Premier Gottwald arrives amid storm of cheers. He outlines the country's programme stating that Benes had "bowed" to will of the people.
TRADE UNIONS Meeting of Trade Union Committees in Prague after Red Coup. Premier Gottwald states new proposals for country. Delegates seen raising an arm in agreement with proposals
Government and Politics; Cold War
communism, Edvard Benes (Leader of Independence Movement, President of Czechoslovakia)
Background: Workers pack Wenceslas Square in Prague as the communist government takes power in Czechoslovakia, and Klement Gottwald (Communist Premier) speaks
FILM ID: VLVABZPQDYVKTK74H2AMTAM7T5P6S
To license this film, visit www.britishpat...
Archive: Reuters
Archive managed by: British Pathé