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.
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.
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.
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
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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