Hungary and Soviet power in Eastern Europe
I can explain the causes, events and consequences of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956.
Hungary and Soviet power in Eastern Europe
I can explain the causes, events and consequences of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Hungarian Uprising (1956) was caused by anger due to declining living standards and a desire for greater freedom.
- Khrushchev attempted to end the Hungarian Uprising by installing Imre Nagy as leader and supporting his reforms.
- When Nagy announced that Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact, the USSR invaded and crushed the Hungarian Uprising.
- The West opposed the Soviet invasion of Hungary but did not intervene.
- The defeat of the Hungarian Uprising strengthened the USSR and Khrushchev.
Keywords
Satellite state - a country controlled by or depending on a more powerful country
Uprising - an act of resistance or rebellion
Oppression - unfair treatment that limits people's freedom
Containment - American policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism into non-communist countries
Common misconception
Mátyás Rákosi was the leader of Hungary at the start of the Hungarian Uprising.
Rákosi was forced to quit as leader in July 1956 when he lost the support of the USSR but widespread anger amongst ordinary Hungarians remained. Khrushchev installed Imre Nagy as leader on 26th October 1956 in an attempt to end protests.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Hungary and Soviet power in Eastern Europe, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Hungary and Soviet power in Eastern Europe, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Cold War development: how peaceful was 'peaceful co-existence'? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended