The 'Second Cold War' 1956-62 Flashcards
What had ‘Destalinisation’ in the Soviet Union done in satellite states?
Raised hopes that they would gain more independence from Moscow
When did Khrushchev made his ‘Secret Speech’?
At the Twentieth Party Congress in February 1956
What did Khrushchev say in his ‘Secret Speech’?
He denounced Stalin and suggested satellite states should find their ‘national ways to socialism’
What did the CIA do at the ‘Secret Speech’?
They obtained a copy of the speech and ensured it was broadcast to Eastern Europe, raising further hopes of political change
When did Tito and Khrushchev improve relations between Yugoslavia and the USSR?
June 1956
What happened in Poznan, Poland, in June 1956?
Riots broke out where local factory workers protested against increased work targets. The Polish government put it down with heavy casualties
What did the Polish Communist Party do after the riots?
They turned to its popular former leader Gomulka, who the Soviets feared would try to restore Polish independence
When did the USSR send a high-powered delegation to Poland, and what happened?
19-20 October, and ordered Red Army units to advance on Warsaw in an attempt to stop the election. Khrushchev withdrew troops from Poland, after an angry conversation with Gomulka.
Why did Khrushchev withdraw troops from Poland?
He chose to believe Gomulka’s assurances of loyalty as he did not want to be embroiled in conflict in Poland at the same time as Hungary started to revolt
Why did Khrushchev and Tito put pressure on Hungary?
To change its hardline leader to a more liberal Erno Gero. Tito had hoped that Hungary would look to him rather than the USSR
What happened on 23rd October 1956?
A large demonstration in support of Polish reformers escalated out of control, demanding the withdrawal of Soviet troops and a new government under Imre Nagy, who was more independent and Titoist. They attacked the state radio station
What did Gero do to end the revolt?
He gave way and appointed Nagy as Prime Minister who announced his intention to withdraw Hungary from the Warsaw Pact
What happened in Hungary after Nagy announced his intention to withdraw Hungary from the Warsaw Pact?
- The USSR initially readied 30,000 troops with tanks and artillery. Heavy fighting erupted in north-west Hungary and by 28th October rebels were in control of most of Hungary
What did the USA’s Radio Free Europe encourage Hungarians to do?
Revolt, and made them believed that NATO would intervene to protect them. However Eisenhower feared the USSR might risk nuclear war over it so made Dulles publicly announce that the US would not help
How did the Suez Crisis start?
The USSR had cultivated good relations with the Egyptian leader Colonel Nasser, so the USA cancelled a loan to him in July 1956, which he turned to the USSR for at the same time as nationalizing the Anglo-French run Suez Canal.
What did Britain, France and Israel do in October 1956?
Launched an attack to overthrow Colonel Nasser
What was Khrushchev convinced of in terms of Nasser, and what did he do as a result?
That Nasser would be overthrown so threw further troops into Hungary to regain prestige
What had happened and by 4th November 1956?
A new government loyal to the USSR under Janos Kader was established