Lesson 7 – Hungarian Crisis Essential Question How did Khrushchev handle the Hungarian Crisis? Learning Outcomes - Students will:  Preview – Khrushchev’s speech  Learn about how Khrushchev’s ‘new’ policies impacted Hungary Success Criteria  I can explain what Eastern Europe learned from the Hungarian Crisis

Preview  From this video, do you think the new Russian leader will be like Stalin or not?  Why?

Vocab Nikita Krushchev De-Stalinization peaceful co-existence Imre Nagy

Peaceful Co-existence  Stalin died in 1953 and in the resulting power struggle, Nikita Krushchev became leader of the USSR in  Krushchev, in a secret speech, called for ‘de-stalinization’ where he exposed all of Stalin’s faults  Ex. 20 million deaths  Also called for peaceful co- existence with the West Who do you think would have approved of this? Disapproved?

Hungarian Protests  Krushchev’s ‘Secret Speech’ was interpreted by many in Eastern Europe as an end to Soviet Rule. People believed that Krushchev would let them rule themselves.  In Hungary, students rioted and attacked Soviet troops with petrol bombs and grenades. It was illegal to demonstrate by law but huge demonstrations took place in Budapest.  The protests became violent and police lost control. Protests began to spread to other cities in Hungary.

Nagy’s Reform Programme  In response, Khruschev agreed to the appointment of a more liberal leader, Imre Nagy. Nagy proposed reforms:  Hungary should leave the Warsaw Pact and become neutral.  Communist government in Hungary should end.  Hungary should became a Western- style democracy with free elections.  Hungary should ask the UN for protection from Russia. How do you think Khrushchev would react to these proposals?

Khrushchev responds to Nagy  The reforms essentially ended Hungary’s alliance with the USSR. Khrushchev believed this was unacceptable and if Hungary left the Warsaw Pact, others would soon follow.  Khrushchev knew that people were unhappy with communism across Eastern Europe. To allow greater freedom for these countries would mean the end to Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe.  In Nov 1956, he sent 200,000 Soviet troops and tanks to crush Nagy’s government. 20,000 Hungarians were killed and 200,000 escaped to Austria.

Nagy’s trial and execution  He was accused of treason and was found guilty in a trial overseen by Khruschev.  He was hanged in June  Khrushchev stated that Nagy’s execution was ‘a lesson to the leaders of all socialist countries’.

International Reaction  America had encouraged the uprising and gave economic support. $20 million worth of food and medical aid.  New US President Dwight D. Eisenhower ( ) praised the bravery of the Hungarian people and encouraged them to fight on.  No military aid was given  The American government believed it was ‘a matter of highest priority to prevent the outbreak of a war’  The US would not commit military aid to any Eastern European nation

Reasserting Soviet control  This discouraged other radicals in Eastern Europe from following Hungary’s example.  Khrushchev appointed Janos Kadar as the new Hungarian leader.  Kadar had no real power as Hungary was under the control of the Soviet army.  But he did published a 15-point programme of reform:  Re-establish communist control of Hungary  Use Hungarian troops to stop attacks on Soviet forces  Remain in the Warsaw Pact  Negotiate the withdrawal of Soviet troops.

 What conclusions can you make about the Hungarian Crisis for  Khrushchev?  Eisenhower?  Other Eastern European nations? How did Khrushchev handle the Hungarian Crisis?