(Depth Study 3: International History, 1945-1991)
(Cambridge International AS and A level History 9389)
Warsaw treaty signed 1955 to justify USSR troops in Hungary. Countries in E. Europe
allowed find ways Socialism on 2 conditions:
- Not leave bloc
- Not undermine Soviet rule system.
Strikes in Poland 1956 spread to Nagy in Hungary. Clear breach in Soviet front line not
tolerated, Ulbricht + other bloc leaders adopted hard line approach to reformists.
Many Hungarians wished go further than neighbours tolerate. Encouraged by unrealistic
propaganda + how far exploit circumstances of de-Stalinization + hopeful to achieve
Austrian model. Nagy tried negotiate balance nationalist + democratic aspirations.
Polish crisis ended in compromise nationalist comm leaders promoted against Moscow's
wishes in return for leading role of party.
Nagy changed mind, hoped for compromise as well like in Yugoslavia. Hungary attempting
abandon bloc. USSR tanks intervened to crush + stop Domino effect in bloc. Dulles said not
intervene as too great risk of war. Britain + France conflict in Egypt. US used Suez to avoid
criticism.
Aftermath Hungarian Invasion
US accepted Soviet sphere of influence. USSR portrayed as imperialist power. Western
Propaganda changed to not create false hope. Khrushchev showed anti-imperialist
credentials over Suez crisis.
Second term Eisenhower CW appear bitter confrontations. Not true as US did everything
possible prevent war like giving aid to rev countries etc… Aid given Poland so follow
Gomulka national gov.
Poland tried created nuclear free zone in E. Europe as scared USSR dominance + nuke war.
Crisis led to USSR making more nukes, credibility gap + Eisenhower calling their bluff.