Hungarian Uprising Flashcards
Who ruled Hungary up to 1948?
Rakosi, a pro-Stalin dictator.
What were the causes for the Hungarian uprising?
Stalins death raised hopes for more freedom
Poverty. Hungarians were poor as much of their food and goods were sent to USSR.
Hungarians were very patriotic and wanted a free Hungary.
The Stalinist type of Govt was a vicious dictatorship with no freedoms and torture.
Khrushchev gave a secret speech criticising Stalin and promising peaceful coexistence. He began a process of de-stalinisation which gave Hungary hope for future reform.
Reforms had been permitted in Poland in 1956.
What happened in Hungary between 23rd and 24th of October?
Hungarian students followed Poland’s example and demonstrated, demanding reform.
As unrest grew, Imre Nagy, a moderate communist was appointed leader.
Russian tanks backed off.
What happened in Hungary between 1st and 4th of November?
Nagy announced multi-party elections in Hungary and that they would withdraw from the Warsaw Pact.
This was too much for Khrushchev as it would lead to a hole in the iron curtain and the possible break up of communist Eastern Europe.
6000 Russian tanks were sent into Hungary. After fierce fighting in which thousands were killed and 180,000 fled, Hungarians were defeated.
How did the USA respond to the situation in Hungary?
Showed no desire to get involved.
