The Hungarian Uprising, 1956 Flashcards
What were the causes of the Uprising?
in 1947 Hungary had become another combusting country in eastern Europe. Hungary was led by Matyas Rakosi who called himself a follower of Stalin. Hungary became a member of Com-inform and the Hungarian Communist Party took its orders from Moscow.
How did Hungary become a Satellite state?
As the Hungarian economy was controlled by the Soviet Union though Com-inform and the Hungarian Communist Party took its orders from Moscow, which meant they did not accept Marshall Aid.
How did Rakosi rule Hungary?
Rakosi used terror and brutality to keep control, killing an estimated 2000 in the purges and imprisoning 200 000 political opponents. He became increasingly unpopular, as he wanted to follow Stalins foot steps and made Hungary a communist country in Eastern Europe.
What was life like in Hungary?
Very poor. In 1952 Hungary experienced its lowest agricultural output.
Why did some Hungarians rebel against Soviet control?
As students in Budapest, the capital of Hungary demanded free elections, free press and the withdrawal of Soviet troops.
What did Nagy promise the people of Hungary?
Nagy help talks with the Soviet Union and it was agreed that the tanks would be withdrawn. On 31st October, Nagy proposed a list of reforms. Following his reform announcement other Political Parties which had been banned under Rakosi now reappeared and Nagy announced a coalition government on 3rd November.
Why did Khrushchev feel threatened by Nagy?
Khrushchev felt threatened because, he did not want to be seen as weak by other members of the Warsaw Pact.
What did Khrushchev do in November 1956?
On 4th November 200 000 Soviet troops and 600 tanks returned to Hungary. The Soviet army quickly captured airports, bridges and key road junctions. The Hungarians carried on fighting but they were no match for the Soviet forced. A ceasefire was agreed for 10th November but there was sporadic fighting until the middle of 1957.
What were the consequences of the Hungarian Uprising?
- Janos Kadar because Hungary’s new leader. Kadar had Nagy arrested and shot in 1958.
- Soviet troops were easily able to defeat the rebels but at a cost. About 7000 Soviet troops were killed. About 200 000 Hungarians fled their country.
- The Soviet Union had maintained its empire and sent out a warning to any satellite state thinking of breaking away.
