Questions and Answers
The USSR was a collection of 15 Republics
True
After WWII the USSR had created a ‘sphere of influence’ by creating a bloc of ‘satellite states’ in Eastern Europe.
True
In 1949 the USSR created a military alliance with Eastern bloc countries called the Warsaw Pact.
False
Winston Churchill referred to the creation of the Soviet ‘sphere of influence’ as the ‘Iron Curtain’.
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The Hungarian uprising occurred in 1956
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The Hungarian uprising was in response to democratic reforms being proposed by Matyas Rakosi.
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Hungary welcomed the Soviet (USSR’s) attempt to ‘Russify’ Hungarian society.
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Hungarians believed Khrushchev’s Destalinisation speech meant they could enact some reforms within Hungary.
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The Hungarian Secret Police (AVO) had imprisoned over 100,000 Hungarians.
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Hungarians had misinterpreted Khrushchev’s sentiments behind his talk of ‘peaceful coexistence’
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Under Socialism (communism) Hungary enjoyed the highest standard of living in the Eastern Bloc. Industry and agriculture were thriving.
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Khrushchev forced Rakosi to step down (June 56) and replaced him with Gero.
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A demonstration on 23 October by students, demanded the end of the Soviet occupation (By the Red Army)
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Statues of Stalin were pulled down and students chanted ‘Russians go home’
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In response to these developments- Khrushchev had Imre Nagy appointed as Hungary’s leader.
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Nagy called for reforms to the communist system, including free elections and the withdrawal of Red Army troops.
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To ease Khrushchev’s concerns- Nagy said Hungary would not leave the Warsaw Pact.
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The Soviets ordered 1000 tanks into Hungary / Budapest on November 4, 1956
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The response of the Hungarians to the Soviet invasion was one of ‘passive resistance’
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In 2 weeks of fierce resistance - 3000 Hungarians were killed
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Nagy was arrested and spent the rest of his life in a Moscow prison.
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Hungary remained a member of the Warsaw Pact.
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The West tried to support Hungary by sending them arms and military advisers
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The West were too distracted by a crisis over the Suez Canal to be able to do anything more than condemn the Soviet invasion.
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The Hungarian communist party reported in June 1958 that Imre Nagy was tried and sentenced to death for counter-revolutionary activities and high treason.
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