Opposition and Fall of Khrushchev Flashcards
Who were the cultural dissidents?
Saw Khrushchev’s thaw as an opportunity to debate. Greater intellectual and artistic freedom.
What is meant by Tamizdat?
Evaded Soviet Censorship by publishing work abroad
What was the Youngest Society of Geniuses?
Student group set up in the mid 1960s
How was poetry used in opposition to Khrushchev?
A monument dedicated to a satrical poet who criticised the Stalinist system was erected. Sparked impromptu poetry readings. One student opposed this way and lost his place at University and was arrested.
How were magazines used in opposition to Khrushchev?
eg Alexander Ginzburg - editor and publisher of a Samizdat poetry magazine, arrested 1960, smuggled writings abroad in order to increase external pressure on USSR
How was music used in opposition to Khrushchev?
Musicians made illegal recordings know as Magnitizdat. Forbidden music styles passed underground eg Rock n Roll, Jazz and Western Pop. Yuliy Kim reacted to poliitcal events in their song writing.
Why was there Communist hardliner opposition?
Felt aggrieved at Khrushchev’s denunciation of Stalin.
Why were there Political dissidents?
Could challenge Khrushchev as he was more lenient.
Who were the anti-Party group?
Communist hardliners who could not forgive his attack on Stalin in 1956 and tried to oust him in 1957. Got them expelled.
What were examples of Nationalist Opposition?
Demonstrations in March 1956 in Georgia. Hungarian Revolution 1956 - Soviet tanks and troops invaded killing thousands.
How did Khrushchev deal with Opposition?
- Demoted political hardliners eg Molotov, Malenkov
- Demoted Zhukov in the Red Army
- Arrests among cultural dissidents
- Condemned some as ‘anti-Social’
- Most ordinary people did not object to Khrushchev
What was the problem with releasing political prisoners?
Intelligentsia saw it as an opportunity to discuss Politics.. Hardliners vocal in opposition.
What was the series of events in Khrushchev’s fall from power?
- Special ceremony from Khrushchev’s 70th birthday
- On holiday got an emergency call
- Realised the hostility and opposition towards him
- Former supporters criticised him
- 14th October signed resignation papers
- Public announcement said he had resigned due to advanced age and ill health.
How does Khrushchev’s fall from power show a change?
He was removed rather than being murdered or dying
What where the foreign policy causes for Khrushchev’s fall from power?
Widespread disapproval of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Blamed for USSRs poor relations with China. 1956 - threatened the West during the Suez crisis. Behaved provocatively towards the west over Berlin. Destalinisation caused issues.
