Divisions in Eastern Europe Flashcards
What did Khrushchev mention in his speech when he first came to power?
He criticised Stalins policies and bought in measures to ‘de-Stalinise’ the USSR.
What did ‘de-Stalinisation’ include?
The abolition of the death penalty and the freeing of political prisoners jailed under Stalins regime.
What did some satellite states wish for under Khrushchev?
De-Stalinisation
How did Khrushchevs abolition of Comniform affect states in Eastern Europe?
It meant they would have more political and economic freedom.
What was Khrushchevs ideologies for the Eastern bloc?
He wanted them to remain communist but he did not agree with Stalins approach to communism. He thought that giving satellite states more economic independence would stabilise their communist regimes.
How did many states react to Khrushchevs first policies?
Not all states had chosen communism, and saw the changes as a chance to loosen ties with the USSR.
In what country was there an uprising in 1956? How did it play out? How did it affect attitude within other states?
Poland- the USSR threatened to intervene, but eventually allowed the new government to follow their own version of communism. This encouraged other states to revolt.
Who did the USSR help put in charge of Hungary after the Second World War?
Mátyás Rákosi, a brutal Stalinist
How did the Hungarian people react to Rákosis authoritarian regime?
In October 1956, the people of Budapest protested against Rákosis government.
Who did Khrushchev allow to take over as Hungarian prime minister? What did Nagy hope for?
The liberal Imre Nagy. He hoped that Hungary could be a neutral state.
When did Nagy announce that Hungary would withdraw from the Warsaw Pact and hold free elections, ending communism?
November 1956
Why did the USSR feel they had to respond with force to Nagys rejection of communism?
It might have encouraged the other states to do the same. Khrushchev wanted to use this crisis to reassert his authority.
What did the USSR do to Hungary in November 1956?
Soviet tanks invaded Hungary, killing or wounding thousands of Hungarians. Nagy was arrested and hanged.
Who replaced Nagy?
János Kádár. He ensured loyalty towards the USSR.
What did Khrushchevs brutal response to Hungary show?
That disloyalty within satellite states wouldn’t be tolerated. It also showed Western powers that the USSR was still in control.
