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.
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.
- 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.
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
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.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Hungarian Uprising (1956), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Hungarian Uprising (1956), 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
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 The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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