Hungary 1956
The situation Tough Stalinist dictator – Rakosi Cominform kept an eye on dissent Reparations to the USSR Secret police
Build up 1953 Stalin dies. Khrushchev criticises Stalin and seems to lighten up Rakosi dies anti soviet riots in Poland and across the Warsaw Pact Wladislaw Gomulka new leader in Poland warned to behave
What happened in Hungary Fighting between Soviets and Hungarians Imre Nagy becomes prime minister Free elections sweeping reforms and leaving the Warsaw pact and USA for protection Khrushchev sends the tanks in. 7000 Russian and 20,000 Hungarians die. Many escape to the West Eisenhower did little Nagy was hanged
Why was nothing done Difficult to get there – over quickly Not a breach of the Truman Doctrine Diverted by Suez Not prepared to risk Nuclear War Acceptance that the Soviets could run their sphere of influence.
The results Reduced tensions Bad for Hungary New leader Janos Kadar – ended reforms – Hungary re-joined the Warsaw Pact Rest Warsaw Pact took notice. No more uprisings