6 - Hungarian Uprising

Question 1

Death of Stalin and consequences

Answer 1

Died in 1953 and no clear successor. After power struggle Khrushchev emerged as leader in 1956. Khrushchev criticised Stalin’s policies in his ‘secret speech’ and announced ‘de-Stalinisation’ should take place. He also believed there could be ‘peaceful co-existence’ with the West.

Question 2

Growing unrest in Hungary

Answer 2

1956 - protests about lack of political freedom and problems caused by fuel shortages and poor harvests. Khrushchev replaced unpopular Stalinist Prime Minister with Imre Nagy in October 1956. Nagy introduced a set of reforms.

Question 3

Soviet invasion of Hungary

Answer 3

1st November 1956, Nagy announced Hungary would leave Warsaw Pact. Khrushchev would not let it happen in case other satellite states followed Hungary’s example, as it would threaten the security of the USSR.
4th November 1956, 1,000 Soviet tanks entered Budapest. No help was given by the West and approx. 20,000 Hungarians were killed. New, pro-Soviet leader appointed, and Nagy and supporters executed.

Question 4

Impacts of the Hungarian Uprising (5 points)

Answer 4

1 - Strengthened Khrushchev’s position in USSR
2 - Strengthened USSR’s control of eastern Europe
3 - Widespread protests across the West at the treatment of the Hungarians
4 - Impact on Hungary
5 - No action taken by the USA or UN

Question 5

Impacts of the Hungarian Uprising - Strengthened Krushchev’s position in USSR - Evidence

Answer 5

• ‘Secret speech’ (1956) led to criticism from within USSR, as some Communists felt he was weak.
• Used invasion to silent his critics and demonstrate he was a strong leader.

Question 6

Impacts of the Hungarian Uprising - Strengthened USSR’s control over Eastern Europe - evidence

Answer 6

• sent clear message to other satellite states: Khrushchev would not allow them to leave the Warsaw Pact or USSR
• This strengthened Soviet dominance over Europe - satellite states too scared to attempt to break free

Question 7

Impacts of the Hungarian Uprising - Widespread protests across the West at the treatment of the Hungarians - evidence

Answer 7

• rebels lost at least 20,000 soldiers, 200,000 Hungarians fled
• USSR’s actions led to protests across Europe in support of Hungarian protestors and many of the refugees were welcomed into Western countries

Question 8

Impacts of the Hungarian Uprising - Impact on Hungary - evidence

Answer 8

• over 20,000 Hungarian rebels killed
• over 200,000 forced to flee country
• Imre Nagy executed

Question 9

Impacts of the Hungarian Uprising - No action taken by the USA or UN - evidence

Answer 9

• UN held special inquiry into the invasion of Hungary = formal condemnation but no further action
• Eisenhower = no military support. Policy of containment meant stopping the spread of communism, not interfering in an already communist country

Question 10

Consequences of the Hungarian Uprising (3 points)

Answer 10

1 - USSR secured control of Hungary
2 - Strengthened Khrushchev’s position
3 - Led to protests in the West about the treatment of Hungary

Question 11

The Hungarian Uprising led to the USSR securing control of Hungary - evidence

Answer 11

• 200,000 Soviet troops invaded
• 20,000 Hungarians killed
• Nagy executed

Question 12

The Hungarian Uprising led to Khrushchev’s strengthened position - evidence

Answer 12

• had been criticised after ‘secret speech’ = seen now as a strong leader
• strengthened Warsaw Pact = countries would not try to leave

Question 13

The Hungarian Uprising led to protests in the West about the treatment of Hungary - evidence

Answer 13

• 200,000 Hungarian refugees escaped to the West
• UN formally condemned USSR

Question 14

Impact of the Hungarian Uprising on the Cold War (analysis for consequences of the Hungarian Uprising) - USSR secured control of Hungary

Answer 14

• strengthened USSR’s control
• ensured that Hungary would follow instructions from USSR
• ensured that Hungary maintained a communist government

Question 15

Impact of the Hungarian Uprising on the Cold War (analysis for consequences of the Hungarian Uprising) - strengthened Khrushchev’s position

Answer 15

• no longer facing opposition from inside USSR
• strengthened control in Europe = satellite states now too afraid to challenge USSR or attempt to leave the Warsaw Pact

Question 16

Hungarian Uprising - narrative account

Answer 16

1 - Khrushchev became leader of the USSR
Secret speech = criticised Stalin’s policies, there should be a process of de-Stalinisation
CONSEQUENTLY THERE WAS CRITICISM OF STALIN IN THE SATELLITE STATES WHICH LED TO
2 - Protests in Budapest
Protesting fuel and food shortages, demanded free elections and free press
TO RESTORE ORDER, KHRUSHCHEV REPLACED RAKOSI WITH NAGY WHO
3 - Nagy introduced reforms in Hungary
Allowed freedom of the press, released Rakosi’s political prisoners, included non-communists in his government
USSR THOUGHT THE CHANGES WERE TOO RADICAL, AND BECAME MORE WORRIED WHEN
4 - Nagy announced that Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact
Nagy planned to leave military alliance, Khrushchev worried other satellite states would do the same
TO BRING HUNGARY BACK UNDER CONTROL
5 - USSR invaded Hungary
200,000 Soviet troops, 20,000 Hungarians killed, Nagy executed and replaced by leader loyal to the USSR