The Hungarian Uprising Flashcards
When did the Soviet Union remove the Germans from Hungary?
1944, as they drove the Nazis back to Germany.
What happened at the 1945 elections in Hungary?
The Independent Smallholders’ Party won with 57% of the votes. The Hungarian Communist Party won only 17%.
Why couldn’t the Independent Smallholder’s Party establish a Government?
The head of the Soviet Troops in Hungary refused to allow them to power. Instead, he established a coalition government that contained communist party members.
Who was in charge of the coalition government in Hungary in 1945?
Lazlo Rajk a member of the communist party.
What was the impact of Soviet control on Hungary?
v-Many opposition leaders were arrested and others fled.
- The communist Party became the largest single party in the ensuing elections, although still had to serve in a coalition government.
- A new constitution was drawn up based on the Soviet system which made Hungary a “republic of workers and working peasents,” led by Matyas Rakosi of the Communist Party.
- Hungary became a member of Cominform.
What were the key features of Rakosi’s rule?
- Terror and brutality
- the Secret Police (AVH).
- Religious teachings in schools were removed.
- Leader of the Hungarian Catholic church arrested for life.
- Killed around 2000 people in the purges.
What happened to the Hungarian economy during Rakosi’s rule?
it began to suffer as it was controlled through Comecon and was forced to trade with the Soviet Union on unfair terms and wad prevented from trading with western Europe or receiving Marsahll Aid. Rakosi put forward a 5-year-plan to transform the economy but this was unsuccessful as it focused in steel production. Living standard fell and Rakosi became increasingly unpopular.
Who was Rakosi replaced by when he was removed by the Soviets?
Imre Nagy, then Erno Gero.
What did the students in Budapest demand in the demonstrations?
- Freedom of press
- Free elections
- Free trade unions
- An end to the one-party system
- Trade links to the West
- Hungary to become a neutral state.
They pulled down the Statue of Stalin in protest.
When did the demonstrations by students in Budapest begin?
23rd October 1956
When did Stalin die?
March 1953
What append in the 25th if October, 1956?
The tanks sent by Krushchev opened fire and killed 12, wouding over 100. Gero was forced to resign and Janis Kadar took over. Nagy was re-instated the following day.
What did Nagy do?
- Held talks with the Soviet Union and it was agreed to remove the tanks.
- Released some political prisoners on the 30th October, 1956.
- Nagy’s proposed reforms were published, which included Hungary leaving the Warsaw Pact.
- Nagy asked the UN for help in settling the dispute between Hungary and the Soviet Union.
- Banned political parties re-appeared and Nagy announced a coalition government on the 3rd of November.
How did Krushchev react to Nagy?
Krushchev was ansxious not to be seen as weak. He was also encouraged by Mao stand firm. So he decided Nagy had gone too far and invaded Hungary,
Describe the Soviet invasion of Hungary.
On the 4th of November, 1956, 200,00 Soviet troops and 6000 tanks entered Hungary. The Soviets quickly captured airports, bridges and key road junctions but the Hungarians fought using guerrilla tactics. The Hungarians were no macth for the Soviet army and a cease fire was agreed on the 10th of November.
