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Hungary 1956

Hungary 1956. The Hungarian Revolution and the response of the USSR. Learning objectives. By the end of these lessons you will Understand why the Hungarians rose up against occupation by the USSR in 1956 Describe the events of the revolution and the response of the USSR to it

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Hungary 1956

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  1. Hungary 1956 The Hungarian Revolution and the response of the USSR

  2. Learning objectives By the end of these lessons you will • Understand why the Hungarians rose up against occupation by the USSR in 1956 • Describe the events of the revolution and the response of the USSR to it • Evaluate the importance of the event in the History of the cold war

  3. Hungary and the cold war

  4. Background • After WW2 the USSR imposed Comm on Hungary – banned other parties • Treated her as a defeated enemy – took land and resources • USSR occupied the country and controlled the government and the army • COMINFORM – 5% in prison • Dictator – Matyas Rakosi

  5. Matyas Rakosi • Led from 1949 to 1956 • Puppet leader – did as he was told by Moscow • Hated by his own people – nickname “the bald butcher” • Got rid of opposition using salami tactics – divide and rule • Imprisoned 387 000 • Killed 2000

  6. Destalinisation • Stalin died in 1953 – hated and oppressive • His death offered a new start • Replaced by Nikita Khrushchev – a more liberal Communist – condemned Stalin's actions • In Hungary people rioted against the rule of the USSR and stoned Russian troops • Huge demonstrations demanding reform

  7. Imre Nagy • Replaced Rakosi in 1956 • More Liberal – USSR agreed to accept him • Hungary leave the Warsaw Pact and become neutral • Communism in Hungary should end – free elections • Would ask the UN for protection from the USSR

  8. Khrushchev’s response • Khrushchev was angry – could not let Hungary leave the Warsaw Pact – others might follow their lead • November 1956 – 200 000 USSR troops sent to Hungary to crush the new govt • Two weeks of fighting – 20 000 killed • 200 000 escaped to Austria • Nagys government was crushed

  9. Nagy’s trial and execution • Nagy asked for protection in the Yugoslav embassy and passage to Yugoslavia – USSR agreed to this • As soon as he left the embassy he was arrested by Russian troops • Accused of treason and put on trial • Hanged in June 1958 • Gave other leaders of eastern Europe a valuable lesson

  10. The international reaction • USA had supported the uprising but did not offer military support – worried about upsetting the USSR and risking war • USA gave $20m and encouraged the revolution but did nothing more • UN condemned the Ussr's action but did nothing more • Discouraged democrats in Eastern Europe – USA would not provide military help

  11. Hungary after 1956 • USSR appointed a new leader – Janos Kadar – had no real power – USSR in control • Published a 15 point programme • Communist control in Hungary • Remain in Warsaw Pact • Withdrawal of USSR troops • Hungarian people had no choice to accept this

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