The Hungarian Uprising (1956)
I can explain the causes, events and consequences of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956.
The Hungarian Uprising (1956)
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.
- During the Hungarian Uprising, the Hungarians begged for support from the West but the USA and NATO refused to help.
- The defeat of the Hungarian Uprising strengthened the USSR and Khrushchev and led to a worsening of US-Soviet relations.
Common misconception
Matyas Rakosi was the leader of Hungary at the start of the Hungarian Uprising.
Rakosi was forced to quit as leader in July 1956 when he lost the support of the USSR. Rakosi was replaced by his close friend, Erno Gero, then Khrushchev installed Imre Nagy as leader on 26th October 1956 in an attempt to end the uprising.
Keywords
Satellite state - a country that is dominated by another country
Uprising - an act of resistance or rebellion
Reform - a change introduced to improve something, often a system or law
Warsaw Pact - a military alliance of Eastern European countries led by the Soviet Union during the Cold War; it was formed in 1955 in response to NATO
Containment - using American influence and military resources to prevent the spread of communism into non-communist countries
Content guidance
- 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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