How secure was the USSR's control over Eastern Europe, 1948-1989? - Hungary

Question 1

When did Hungary oppose Soviet control?

Answer 1

1956

Question 2

Why was there opposition to Soviet control in Hungary?

Answer 2

• The country was run by the Hungarian Communist Party despite them only achieving 17% of the vote
• The people suffered from repression and strict control. Russian control had brought censorship, secret police and restrictions on education. Religion was banned for being suversive
• Following the war, Hungary was poor and needed rebuilding yet much of the industrial production was sent to Russia. Food produced ended up on similar journey, causing the standard of living to drop
• The Hungarians resented the presence of thousands of Soviet troops and officials in their country, especially as they had to pay for the troops
• They were unhappy with the hard-line communist leader Rakosi. He was retired from office to be replaced by Gero who was just as unacceptable. The more acceptable Imre Nagy then took over to form a new goverment

Question 3

What were the actions planned by Nagy’s government?

Answer 3

• Free elections would be held
• Law courts would become impartial
• Farm land was to be restored to private ownership
• There would be a reduction in the Soviet influence on the daily way of life in Hungary
• He wanted to ensure the total withdrawal of the Soviet army
• Crucially Nagy intended to withdraw Hungary from the Warsaw Pact

Question 4

Why did the Hungarians think they would be successful in the revolution?

Answer 4

• There was an intuition that Khrushchev was in favour of reduced control over the satellite countries following Stalin’s death
• When there had been a rising of workers in Poland in June 1956, Russia had given in to some of their demands
• Hungarians thought they would have support from the United Nations and also the new US President, Eisenhower. He had made supportive comments in speeches

Question 5

How did the USSR react to the opposition of Hungary?

Answer 5

• Khrushchev appeared to be prepared to accept some reforms at first
• Khrushchev was not prepared to accept Hungary leaving the Warsaw pact

Question 6

When did Khrushchev agree to remove Soviet troops?

Answer 6

28 October 1956

Question 7

What happened on the 4th of November?

Answer 7

Thousands of Soviet troops, and one thousand tanks moved into Budapest. Bitter street fighting followed as the Hungarians did not give in

Question 8

What were the casualties of the revolution?

Answer 8

3,000 Hungarians and 8,000 Russians died

Question 9

How many people fled the country?

Answer 9

200,000

Question 10

What happened to Nagy?

Answer 10

He was imprisoned and later executed