23.3 Khrushchev's fall from power Flashcards
Why was Khrushchev’s fall from power unexpected? (2)
- April 1964 at Khruchshev’s 70th birthday a speech was given praising him for devotions and achievements.
- He was presented with various honors like ‘Hero of the Soviet Union’.
Who organised the coup versus Khrushchev? (3)
Brezhnev, Podgorny and Suslov
What was the proceeding of events that lead to the fall of Khrushchev? (7)
- K was on vacation in Georgia in October 1964. Brezhnev called him and said he was needed at an emergency Presidium meeting
- K initially ignored the call but returned on the 13th of October
- He was taken to the meeting where former supporters voiced criticism - K tried to interrupt at first and was surprised at hostility
- K was deprived of media access which could have been used to rally external support. Told that head of Pravda was out of town
- Resignation paper was given to K the next day who had no other option but to sign
- Brezhnev became 1st secretary and Kosygin Premier
- Public announcement made that Khrushchev had resigned due to ill health BUT a few weeks later the Pravda denounced K for ‘hasty-decisions’
What positions did Brezhnev and Kosygin gain after Khrushchev?
- Brezhnev became 1st secretary
- Kosygin Premier
Who became the Premier after the fall of Khrushchev?
Kosygin
Who became the 1st secretary after the fall of Khrushchev?
Brezhnev
How was K’s PERSONAL RULING STYLE a reason for the his fall? (2)
- Accused of one man style ruling, failing to take advice, inexperienced and still meddled and accused of nepotism
- Embarrassing behaviours at Un conference in 1960
How was DECENTRALISATION a reason for the fall of Khrushchev? (2)
- K granted autonomy to local party leaders upsetting regional economic councils who had lost influence
- Regional party leaders upset that their power was reduced + K’s demand to renew 1/4 of cc every election
How was AGRICULTURE a reason for the fall of Khrushchev? (2)
- Failure of virgin lands scheme and shortfall in food supplies
- Seen as K’s personal failure as he’d presented himself as an expert
How was INDUSTRY a reason for the fall of Khrushchev?
Focus on consumer goods offending hardliners who wanted attention on heavy goods
What were MILITARY reasons for the fall of Khrushchev?
- K wanted to reduce expenditure on conventional weapons to focus on nuclear weaponry which was not popular
- K’s dealings abroad were criticised like missile crisis
How was FOREIGN POLICY a reason for the fall of Khrushchev?
- 1962 Cuban missile crisis (USA claimed victory)
- K blamed for the USSR’s poor relations with communist China
