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

Question 1

Causes - similarities

Answer 1

Both countries had a long-term resentment of Soviet rule

Question 2

Causes - differences

Answer 2

• Hungary was affected by issues in other countries: the rebellion in Poland inspired them to act
• Czechoslovakia was affected by issues at home: economic depression and a desire for political change

Question 3

Aims of rebels - similarities

Answer 3

Both wanted to give their people more rights and lessen the control of communist state

Question 4

Aims of rebels - differences

Answer 4

-In Hungary, changes included withdrawing from the Warsaw Pact and Soviet influence.
The Czechs did not go that far

Question 5

Actions of the people - similarities

Answer 5

Both involved groups of people protesting

Question 6

Actions of the people - differences

Answer 6

• In Czech, the people’s actings were largely started by the role of their leader; it was his changes that encouraged them to protest
• In Hungary, it was the people who acted first

Question 7

Why the Soviet Union intervened - similarities

Answer 7

The Soviet Union was very suspicious and fearful that nay form of rebellion would spread and lead to a split in its control in other countries

Question 8

Why the Soviet Union intervened - differences

Answer 8

-Political nature of Czech was particularly dangerous for the Soviets; they faced people-led rebellions before like that in Hungary, but the “Prague Spring” was started by people who were mean to be under Soviet control

Question 9

How each state responded to Soviet intervention - similarities

Answer 9

Both leader were removed form office

Both resulted in mass emigration

Question 10

How each state responded to Soviet intervention - differences

Answer 10

• In Hungary, the people armed themselves and fought when the Soviets attacked
• In Czechoslovakia, following orders from the government, the people did not fight back
• In Czechoslovakia there were several protests after the Russian invasion including suicides

Question 11

Reaction of the wider world - similarities

Answer 11

Reactions to both were wholly negative to Soviet use of force
The situation in Hungary was discussed at the United Nations; with Czechoslovakia the Soviet actions were condemned by different countries including the USA

Question 12

Reaction of the wider world - differences

Answer 12

With the Czech invasion some members of the communist Warsaw Pact expressed shock at Soviet violence
The Romanian leader complained about Russian intervention