Poland and Hungary Flashcards
What were the USSR’s intentions in the Developing World?
The USSR realised the limits to their detente, and that they couldn’t grant unlimited freedom and concessions in Eastern Europe. Furthermore, they intended to increase influence and exploit anti-colonialism in the Developing World. In December 1955, Bulganin and Khrushchev, during a tour of India, Burma, and Afghanistan, stress Soviet willingness to cooperate and oppose imperialism.
What were results of Beria’s death?
With Khrushchev’s de-Stalinisation and the fall of Beria, this promised new and different routes to socialism, and the secret police network in Europe was dissolved, alongside politicians such as Gomulka in Poland and Kadar in Hungary being released from prison. Khrushchev issued his Secret Speech before the 20th Party Conference in February 1956, committing to de-Stalinisation and the CIA ensured it was broadcast to Eastern Europe.
When was Yugoslavia re-admitted to the Socialist bloc?
Yugoslavia was re-admitted to the Socialist bloc after Khrushchev and Bulganin visited Belgrade in May 1955. The blame for the break was blamed on Stalin and Tito believed that he would become a role model for the Soviets. In June 1956, after talks in Moscow, he and Khrushchev signed a communique agreeing the path to socialism differed.
Describe events in Poland, June 1956.
Riots broke out in Poznań, Poland, due to workers complaining about increased work targets. This was heavily put down with casualties, but the Polish Communist Party turned to Gomulka. The USSR feared that the Polish would fight for their own independence
What were events and results in Poland 1956?
On 19-20 October, a high powered delegation was sent to Warsaw and the Red Army units stationed in Poland were encouraged to advance to the city to stop the election. Gomulka refused to be stopped and the election went ahead.
Due to the crisis in Hungary, Khrushchev decided to withdraw troops and trusted Gomulka that Poland would remain firmly within the Warsaw Pact!
What happened in July 1956, Hungary?
With encouragement from Tito, Mátyás Rákosi, the hardline Stalinist leader, was replaced by Ernö Gerö. Tito hoped an independent Communist regime would develop in Budapest which would look to Belgrade over Moscow, strengthening his influence in the Soviet bloc.
When did uprising begin in Hungary?
October 23 - With Tito pushing for more change, Budapest saw demonstrations of students in support of the Polish reformers. They demanded the withdrawal of Soviet troops, and a new government under Imre Nagy, who was president from 1953-55 and advocated reforms similar to Tito’s. They attacked the state radio system and Gerö appointed him as prime minister.
What were events and results in Hungary?
The USSR mobilised 30,000 troops with tanks and artillery, but Khrushchev tried to reconcile independence, issuing the Declaration on the Principles of Development and a Further Strengthening of Friendship and Cooperation between the USSR and other countries, establishing a legally and mutually agreed framework for the USSR to maintain bases in Hungary. However, Nagy threatened to withdraw Hungary from the Warsaw Pact, which would incentivise other countries to follow. Heavy fighting between Hungarians and Soviet troops erupted in the countryside in north-West Hungary and by 28 October, rebels were in control of most of Hungary outside Budapest.
What was the US’s response to events in Hungary?
Radio Free Europe encouraged Hungarians to revolt, hoping that NATO would provide protection for them and intervene. However, Eisenhower feared the threat of nuclear war and on 27 October John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State, announced that the US would not intervene to defend the satellite states.
