The Hungarian Uprising, 1956 Cambridge IGCSE History revision
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In plain words
For a few days in the autumn of 1956, Hungarians believed that they were free. They pulled down the giant statue of Stalin in Budapest and left only his boots. Then the tanks came back.
9 things to know
- Hungary had been under a harsh communist government since the late 1940s, led by Rákosi. The secret police were feared and hated.
- Why Hungarians opposed Soviet control: they had no freedom of speech or religion. Soviet troops were stationed in the country. Living standards were low, and much of what Hungary produced was sent to the USSR. Russian language and culture were forced on the schools.
- In 1956 the new Soviet leader, Khrushchev, criticised Stalin, which raised hopes of change across eastern Europe.
- In October 1956 students and workers demonstrated in Budapest. The protest grew into an uprising. Imre Nagy, a popular reformer, became prime minister, and Soviet troops pulled out of the capital.
- Nagy promised free elections and an end to one-party rule. Then he announced that Hungary would leave the Warsaw Pact and become neutral.
- That was too much for Khrushchev. If Hungary left, others might follow, and the Soviet buffer zone would break up.
- On 4 November 1956 Soviet tanks rolled into Budapest. Hungarians fought back in the streets for about two weeks. Thousands were killed, and about 200 000 fled the country.
- Nagy was arrested and later executed. A loyal communist, Kádár, was put in power.
- The West sent sympathy and nothing else. It was distracted by a crisis over the Suez Canal, and would not risk war with the USSR.
Worked example
Explain why the USSR crushed the Hungarian Uprising. This is a 6-mark question.
- Nagy went too far: leaving the Warsaw Pact would have taken Hungary out of the Soviet alliance.
- The buffer zone: the USSR relied on eastern Europe for security, and a neutral Hungary would have left a gap in it.
- The example: if Hungary succeeded, other countries would try the same, so Khrushchev had to show that it would not be allowed.
Tips and tricks
- The decision to leave the Warsaw Pact is the key. Khrushchev put up with a change of leader, and even with talk of reform. He would not put up with that.
- Know why the West did nothing: Suez, and the fear of nuclear war.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
The Hungarian Uprising, 1956: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
Who became the reforming leader of Hungary in October 1956?
He was later executed.
Which announcement provoked the Soviet invasion?
It threatened the Soviet buffer zone.
When did Soviet tanks enter Budapest to crush the uprising?
4 November 1956.
What happened to about 200 000 Hungarians?
Most crossed into Austria.
Why had Khrushchev's criticism of Stalin encouraged the Hungarians?Stretch
Hopes rose further than he meant them to.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 16 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
The Hungarian Uprising, 1956
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 · 16 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What reforms did Nagy propose?[4]
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Free elections with more than one party. An end to one-party communist rule. Freedom of speech and of the press. The withdrawal of Hungary from the Warsaw Pact, and neutrality.
Why was there opposition to Soviet control in Hungary?[6]
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Hungarians lived under a repressive government with a feared secret police, and had no freedom of speech or religion. Soviet troops were stationed in the country, and Russian culture was imposed. Living standards were poor, because food and goods were sent to the USSR. Khrushchev's criticism of Stalin made people hope that change was possible.
Why did the West not help Hungary in 1956?[6]
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Britain and France were involved in the Suez Crisis at the same time, which divided the Western powers and took their attention. The USA was not prepared to risk a war, possibly a nuclear one, with the USSR over a country inside the Soviet sphere. Hungary was also surrounded by communist countries, and hard to reach.
Answers: The Hungarian Uprising, 1956
- 1. Free elections with more than one party. An end to one-party communist rule. Freedom of speech and of the press. The withdrawal of Hungary from the Warsaw Pact, and neutrality.
- 2. Hungarians lived under a repressive government with a feared secret police, and had no freedom of speech or religion. Soviet troops were stationed in the country, and Russian culture was imposed. Living standards were poor, because food and goods were sent to the USSR. Khrushchev's criticism of Stalin made people hope that change was possible.
- 3. Britain and France were involved in the Suez Crisis at the same time, which divided the Western powers and took their attention. The USA was not prepared to risk a war, possibly a nuclear one, with the USSR over a country inside the Soviet sphere. Hungary was also surrounded by communist countries, and hard to reach.