What were the causes, events and
results of the Hungarian Uprising?
C – I can describe the causes, events and results of the
Hungarian uprising.
B – I can explain the causes, events and results of the
Hungarian uprising
A – I can explain, link and prioritise the causes, events and
results of the Hungarian uprising
What were the reasons for the
Hungarian uprising?
• Hungary had been occupied by the Soviet Union
as they drove back Nazi forces in 1944.
• The Soviet Union took control of Hungary by
ignoring the result of democratic elections.
• Communists ran the Hungarian security police
and arrested members of the popular
Smallholders’ Party and National Peasant Party.
• The Communists seized control of Hungary under
the leadership of Matyas Rakosi.
• Rakosi was dictator and Hungary joined the
Cominform.
What were the reasons for the
Hungarian uprising?
• Rakosi’s rule was brutal – he is estimated to have killed
2000 opponents and imprisoning 200,000, using the
AVH – his secret police.
• Religious teaching in school was stopped and the
Catholic bishop jailed for life.
• Hungary’s economy was controlled by the Comecon
and had to trade on uneven terms – often not receiving
a fair price for its exports.
• Living standards of Hungarian people got worse, and
agricultural output fell.
• People were Hungary and angry with Rakosi and the
Communist government.
What were the reasons for the
Hungarian uprising?
• After Stalin’s death in 1953 Rakosi was replaced
with Nagy. However, Rakosi returned to power in
1955.
• Rakosi was forced out of power in 1956 and
replaced by Gero. Some of Rakosi’s victims were
re-buried.
• Students demonstrated in Budapest for free
elections, free press and the withdrawal of Soviet
troops. A statue of Stalin was toppled and
dragged through the streets.
What were the events of the
uprising?
• The Soviet Leader, Khrushchev, sent Soviet
troops to Budapest to deal with the
protestors. Tanks killed 12 and wounded more
than 100.
• Gero was forced to resign and Nagy returned
as Prime Minister.
• Nagy negotiated the withdrawal of Soviet
troops.
What were the events of the
uprising?
• Comments by US Secretary of State John
Dulles gave the Hungarians hope of support
‘you can count on us’. However, President
Eisenhower did not want to commit.
• Nagy issued a list of reforms, released political
prisoners including the Catholic Bishop, and
announced Hungary would leave the Warsaw
Pact.
• Nagy asked the UN for support.
What were the events of the
uprising?
• Krushchev decided enough was enough. Under
pressure from Chairman Mao in China, Krushchev sent
200,000 Soviet troops back into Hungary in November
1956.
• The Hungarians fought a ‘rebel’, guerrilla war against
the Soviets until the middle of 1957, but were no real
match for the Soviets.
• The World’s attention was on the Suez crisis and the
Soviet Union were allowed to crush the uprising.
• Hungary’s new leader promised Nagy safe passage out
the country, but this was a lie and Nagy was captured
and murdered.
What were the results of the
uprising?
• Thousands died on both sides, mainly
Hungarians.
• Khrushchev kept control of Hungary.
• Thousands fled Hungary as refugees – many to
Britain.
• A message was sent to other Soviet ‘satellite
states’ – don’t even think of breaking away!
• Khrushchev’s messages of peace to the West
came to be seen as a sham.
Exam Questions
• Describe one decision taken by Imre Nagy when
he was prime minister of Hungary. (2 marks, 2
minutes, POINT, EXPLANATION)
• Briefly explain the key features of the Hungarian
Uprising of 1956. (6 marks, 8 minutes, POINT,
EXPLANATION X3)
• Explain why relations between the USA and the
Soviet Union worsened in the years 1948 – 56.
(12 marks, 15 minutes, POINT, EXPLANATION,
LINK X3, CONCLUSION)