Hungary 1956

Question 1

Why was life difficult for Hungarians under their leader Rakosi?

Answer 1

• Religious teachings were attacked and banned from the education system
• He used the secret police to rule through fear
• He planned to transform the Hungarian economy but it backfired, leading to the worst ever agricultural output in 1952.

Question 2

What happened at the Hungarian Uprising in 1956?

Answer 2

• 23 October - Student demonstrations began in Budapest demanding free elections and the withdrawl of Soviet troops
• 24 October - Krushchev agrees that Imre Nagy can become the new Hungarian prime minister
• 28 October - Soviet troops withdraw from Budapest, the government promised free elections and freedom of speech
• 3 November - Nagy announces Hungary is leaving the Warsaw Pact
• 4 November - Soviet troops return and regain control of the country

Question 3

What were the consequences of the Uprising?

Answer 3

• Around 20,000 Hungarians were killed
• A new pro-communist goverment was set up in Hungary
• Increases tension between the West and East as the Soviets should they were not afraid to use force even if Krushchev was “anti-stalinist”.
• The Soviets prevented other satellite states from following the uprising

Question 4

What was the impact of the Hungarian Uprising?

Answer 4

• Krushchev strengthened his power on Eastern Europe and gained a stronger position in the Warsaw Pact.
• It reflected poorly on the West as they failed to provide millitary support
• Relations between East and West worsened even more.