The Rise of Nikita Khrushchev : De- Stalinization and Tension with the West
Video Khrushcheve Takes Control
Khrushchev Initially Khrushchev claimed that capitalism will be destroyed in nuclear war - Probably to secure support initially Later showed willingness to work with the West - Wanted to avoid nuclear war - Wanted time to develop economy Still frequent tension - ex. U2 spy plane incident - Khrushchev wanted West Berlin
Berlin Wall (1961) Supposedly to keep out fascists More likely to: 1. Keep people from fleeing 2. Keep people from encountering capitalist luxury
Attempts at Diplomacy Recognized Neutrality for Austria Met with Eisenhower in Geneva in 1955 Reciprocal Soviet and American exhibitions Established hotline between Washington and Moscow in 1963 Tried to entice governments of developing nations - As opposed to undermining them by supporting subversive parties
Weakening Control China started to drift away from the Soviet Union - Upset about Soviet diplomacy with West - Albania and some other communist nations/parties sided with China Revolts in Soviet Satellite States - Riots in Poland - Brutal violence in Hungary
Reforms Tried to reoganize the communist party Tried to restructure industry - Tried to localize authority Tried to improve farm production Most of his efforts failed to improve production in industry or agriculture - Tended to cause confusion among the people Replaced in 1964 by Brezhnev
Video Khrushchev Resigns