with complete solution
Why did the Hungarian uprising begin?
Hungary had been controlled by Russia since 1945. When Stalin died many people
hoped for freedom and change and felt they could demonstrate and riot.
Why did the Hungarians dislike Soviet control?
Living standards were declining whilst papers were saying they were good - lack of
trust. They had no freedom, wearing western clothes and jazz were considered
dangerous.
Why was there opposition to USSR control in Hungary?
Led by hard-line Matyas Rakosi. They hated his restrictions. They felt bitter about losing
their freedom of speech. Lived in fear of AVO.
They were patriotic, presence of Soviet troops and officials.
What did the Communists ban which particularly upset Hungarians?
Religion - the Hungarians were devout Catholics yet they could not worship it. Cardinal
Mindzenty had been imprisoned and tortured for opposing communism.
What happened in June 1956?
A group within Communism opposed Rakosi. He appealed to Moscow for help. He
wanted to arrest 400 leading opponents but Moscow would not back him.
What happened in July 1956?
Erno Gero was appointed but he was no more acceptable to the Hungarian people than
Rakosi had been.
What happened on the 23rd of October 1956?
Hungarians were rioting and in a huge student demonstration a giant statue of Stalin
was pulled down.
How did the USSR deal with opposition in Eastern Europe?
Allowed new government to be formed under Imre Nagy. Soviet troops were withdrawn.
Hungarians created thousands of local councils. For five days there was freedom. They
introduced democracy and freedom.
What did Nagy's government plan to do?
Hold free elections. Create impartial courts and restore farmland to private ownership.
What happened on the 3rd of November?
Nagy announced that Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact and would be neutral in
the Cold War. He appealed through the United Nations for powerful states to recognise
Hungary's existence as a neutral state.
Why did Hungary feel they would be able to make change in Hungary?
The process of de-Stalinisation. They thought the United Nations would help them if
they began to rebel. The encouragement of Poland who had demanded an granted
reforms on 16th October 1956.
How did Kruschev cause the Hungarian uprising?
His policy had unintentionally given those who hated Stalin and the communist regime
to free themselves. They felt they could get away with more things.
How did the USA cause the Hungarian uprising?