Hungarian Uprising 1956 Flashcards
What happened in June 1956?
Moscow forced Rákosi to retire after reformers appealed to Krushchev
What happened 23rd of October 1956?
Students in the capital, Budapest, demanded an end to Soviet occupation and the implementation of ‘true socialism’
⬇️ police made arrests and opened fire on the protesters
What happened 24th of October 1956?
Soviet troops in Hungary were used to protect key buildings and roads.
+ Hungarian soldiers and workers joined protesters
⬇️ USSR allowed appointment of new leader Nagy
What happened 25th of October 1956?
Nagy promised reforms to the communist system
eg. free elections, withdrawal of soviet troops
What happened 29th of October 1956?
Nagy’s government began to introduce reforms. Some political prisoners were released and Nagy announced Hungarys intention to leave WARSAW PACT.
What happened 4th of November 1956?
Khrushchev refused to allow Hungary to leave the Warsaw Pact
⬇️ sent in over 1000 tanks and more troops
fierce fighting took place between Soviet forces and protesters.
How did the USSR and authorities respond?
Nagy was removed from power and executed and replaced with pro soviet leader János Kádár.
What were the aims of the rebels?
- Nagy wanted to have free elections and create impartial courts
- His government wanted the removal of Soviet troops and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact
- Nagy also hoped the West would support the cause
Consequences…
- 3000 Hungarians killed
- 200,000 fleeing the country
- USSR implemented some reforms
- West protested at Soviet intervention but took no action
- Hungary remained a member of the Warsaw pact
Causes of Hungarian Uprising
- Rebels were inspired by the reforms in Poland + hoped Khrushchev would allow changes
- many hated the restrictions on freedom and the secret police
- people resented the presence of the Soviet troops snd Soviet culture
- poor living standards
