by P P

Created on: August 07, 2009   Last Updated: August 09, 2009

The Hungarian uprising of 1956 summed up the cold war. Eastern Europe was controlled by the USSR. The Hungarian Uprising coincided with Stalin's death and Khrushchev was the new premier. Rioters wanted to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact, this would create serious tension and eventually destruction of Budapest.

Anyone who challenged the Soviet rule, paid the price, this still applied after Stalin's death. All money in Hungary was given to the Soviets and to show their power the Soviet put thousands of tanks and troops in Hungary. The Hungarian leader Rakosi was put in power by Stalin. After Stalin's death the Hungarians hoped they were free of Soviet rule. The new leader Khrushchev attacked Stalin's brutal policy, and in a gesture to the Hungarians have Rakosi removed.

The Hungarians had expected more, but did not get it. A bad harvest, fuel shortages and the cold created an unstable situation in Hungary. Students and workers rallied in the streets of Budapest (Capital of Hungary) for their 16 points which included, more food, the removal of the secret police, personal freedom, the removal of Soviet control etc. In 1956 Poland had already been granted these right by protest and rebellion, Hungary felt they could to the same. Imre Nagy was appointed prime minister and Janos Kadar foreign minister in the USSR. They were thought to be liberal, and in Moscow they thought this would be the best way to keep "the Hooligans" as the protesters were called, happy.

As a gesture the Red Army pulled out and Nagy allowed political parties to start (elections). The most famous man to criticize the Soviets Cardinal Mindszenty was released from prison. Hungary announced they would withdraw from the Warsaw pact (peace treaty between Soviet countries, counter part of NATO), many felt they were taking this too far. Janos Kadar left the government and established a rival government which was supported by Soviet tanks. On November 4th tanks came to Budapest to restore order. They acted brutally killing many people as a warning to other protesters. 30K people were killed and 200K people fled Hungary. Kadar established rule by November 14nth and took over the government. All America did was say they felt bad for the Hungarians and that the Hungarians could count on America, nothing more. The reason they did so was because geographically they couldn't help unless they started a war and an economic boycott would be pointless as the Soviets took everything they needed from the

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