Polish Uprising

Question 1

What was the response from Poland after the secret speech?

Answer 1

• Khrushchev nominated Ochab to implement de-stalinization in Poland
• Many poles demanded more political freedom and national sovereignty

Question 2

What happened in June 1956?

Answer 2

Polish workers went on strike against wage cuts and poor working conditions

Question 3

When was Gomulka elected?

Answer 3

October 1956

Question 4

When did Khrushchev and Gomulka meet?

Answer 4

October 1956

Question 5

What happened when Khrushchev and Gomulka met?

Answer 5

• Khrushchev threatened military intervention if he did not cooperate
• Poland remained a member of the Warsaw Pact and Soviet troops were always stationed ready to move into Poland
• Force not used due to support from Beijing to the Polish Communist Party

Question 6

3 Impact and the significance of the Polish Uprising

Answer 6

2. Cordiality of USSR and Poland
   - Balanced Polish security
   - USSR would protect Poland from West Germany
3. Khrushchev’s tolerance
   - Moscow would allow satellites a measure of national independence if regime led by trustworthy men
4. Role of China
   - Force not used due to China’s support of the Polish Communist Party
   - Shows increasing role of international communism by China

Question 7

When was Polish Uprising?

Answer 7

June to October 1956